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HISTORY 



OF THE 



UNITED STATES, 

ON A NEW PLAN; 
ADAPTED TO THE CAPACITY OF YOUTH. 

TO WHICH IS ADDED 
THE COJySTITVTIOJV OF THE UJyiTEO STATES, 




The Genius of Liberty cor.dnrun 



Science and Fame . 



BY J. OtlVEY, A. m.. 

Jiuthor of a Geography and Atlas, Kational Preceptor, ^Easy Rea- 
der, Child's Manual J SfC^_^.-^-'~^ 



NEW-HAVEN 

PUBLISHED BY DURRIE & PECK. 

1836. 



V 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1836, 

BY DUREIE & PECK, 
in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Connecticut. 



£s;^ 



NEW-HAVEN, 

HITCHCOCK & STAFFORD, PRINTERS. 



El.-|E 



f^ *:"\ 



PREFACE 



Among the numerous brancljes taught in our schools, history 
has justly taken a high rank. It is now considered a necessary 
part of a good education. The man of business in common life, 
as well as the professional man, finds frequent occasion to refer to 
past events. Not only tl)e lawyer and the statesman, but every 
freeman who gives in his vote to influence the great political in- 
terests of the nation, ought to be familiar with the more promi- 
nent events of his country's history. 

The history of the United States is replete- with interest and 
instruction. The mind is first fi.x;ed upon a vast, unexplored 
wilderness, inhabited only by wild beasts and wandering sava- 
ges. After many years of toil and danger, our noble ancestors 
are seen laying the foundations of a mighty nation, and establish- 
ing those institutions which are at once the pride and the glory 
of posterity. Their struggles in war against the Indians, and 
their steady resistance of the selfish policy of the mother country, 
afford numerous and striking examples of virtue and patriotism. 
The establishment of a national government with its constitution 
and laws, displays the wisdom and integrity of a body of men, 
whose example is worthy of universal imitation. The rapid pro- 
gress of the country from a state of poverty and wretchedness to 
circumstances of affluence and power, developes all the energies 
of human nature, and aftbrds many valuable lessons to the youth- 
ful mind. 

A conviction that a history of our own country well adapted 
to the use of common schools, where the great mass of our popu- 
lation begin and complete their education, would be highly con- 
dusive to the best interests of the nation ; and that every sucess- 
full attempt at improvement would meet with corresponding en- 
couragement from my fellow-citizens, has induced me to under- 
take the following work. 

I have endeavored to relate the most important events, in the 
order of time in which they occurred, so as to present unbroken 



b PEEFACE. 

that series of causes and effects, which should be strictly preser- 
ved in every work of this kind. I have added a great amount of 
matter in the form of notes, consisting of biographical sketches 
of eminent men, anecdotes &c., illustrating the text, and at the 
same time, calculated to please and instruct. These, without in- 
terrupting the regular narrative, are inserted for the benefit of 
those who have not access to biographical works, enabling them 
to form some estimate of the principal characters connected with 
our history. 

The plan of the work, the author has had in mind for several 
years; and, after long experience in the instruction of youth, feels 
persuaded' that it is well calculated to secure the attention and 
interest of the scholar, and impart as good a knowledge of our 
history, as any work of its size. 

I have divided the history into /our periods ; the first, extend- 
ing from the discovery, to the first settlement ; the second, from 
the settlement of Jamestown, to the Declaration of Independence ; 
the third, extending from this period to the adoption of the Fede- 
ral constitution ; and the fourth, comprising the events from that 
time to the present. This divisiorl appears the most natural and 
most easily remembered. Too many divisions only perplex the 
mind ; it being as difficult to remember the dates of a great many 
periods and connect them with the events included, as to re- 
member the dates of the important events themselves. The 
questions are printed on the same page with the text, which eve- 
ry one, by a little experience, will find to be of great advantage. 
In preparing the work, the most approved authorities have been 
consulted, and special pains taken to render it correct in every 
important particular. To a generous and discriminating public, 
it is now respectfully submitted by the author. 

J. OLNEY. 

Southington, June \st, 1836. 

TO THE TEACHER.— The authoi' would respectfully suggest tliat the 
scholar should begin with the Introdiictonj lesson on the 24th page. The im. 
portaiit matter iu tJie IiUroduciion may be more profitably studied afterwards. 



CONTENTS. 








PAGE. 


Introduction, 13 


General Division, 






23 


Introductory Lesson, 






24 


Discoveries in America, 






35 


Settlement of Virginia, 






34 


Settlement of New- York, 






44 


Settlement of Massachusetts, 






53 


Settlement of New-Hampshire, 






72 


Settlement of New Jersey, . - 






76 


Settlement of Delaware, 






79 


Settlement of Connecticut, 






80 


Settlement of Maryland, 






87 


Settlement of Rhode-Island, 






90 


Settlement of North Carolina, - 






93 


Settlement of South Carolina, - 






95 


Settlement of Pennsylvania, 






98 


Settlement of Georgia, 






102 


The French War, 






. 105 


Events leading to the Revolution, 






116 


War of the Revolution, - 






123 


Events of 1776, - 






137 



8 CONTENTS. 




Events of 177T, 


. 142 


Events of 1778, 


. 152 


Events of 1779, 


. 157 


Events of 1780, 


163 


Termination of the war, 


. 170 


Washington's administration, 


. 182 


Adams and Jefferson's administration, 


. 193 


Madison's administration, . . . . 


. 204 


Events of 1813, .... 


215 


Termination of the late war. 


. 225 


Monroe and Adam's administration, 


. 239 


Jackson's administration, . . . . 


244 


A general view, 


250 


Constitution of the United States, 


• 271 



INDEX. 



Abercrombie, Gen. 111. 
Adams, John,179, 183, 188, 193 

195,243. 
Adams, J. Q. 243, 244. 
Adet, 191. 
Alabama, 241. 
Alexandria, 231. 
Algiers, 191, 238. 
Allen, Eathan, 125. 
Allen, Samuel, 74. 
Americus Vespucius, 22. 
Amherst, Gen. 111,112. 
Andre, Major, 167. 
Andross, Sir Edmund, 66, 77, 84. 
Annapolis, 180. 
Arkansas, 249. 
Arnold, Gen. 125,131, 132, 146 

167, 169, 175, 176. 
Arts, 263. 

B. 
Bacon, Nathaniel, 43. 
Bainbridge, Com. 199, 214. 
Baltimore city, 231. 
Baltimore, Lord, 87, 89. 
Banks, 185, 238,244. 
Barclay, Robert, 78. 
Baptists, persecution of, 60. 
Barnwell, Col. 95. 
Baum, Col. 147. 
Bennington, 147, 148. 
Berkley, Sir Wm. 42, 77. 
Billinge, Edward, 77. 
Bladensburg,231. 
Blakelv,Capt. 233. 
Bonaparte, 195, 198,201. 
Boon, Col. Daniel, 186. 
Boston, 56, 119, 120, 128, 135, 
Bradstreet, Col. 111. 
Braddock, Gen. 107, 108. 
Bridgewater, 226. 
Brock, General, 212. 



Brown, Gen. 217, 226. 
Bunker Hill, 127. 
Burgoyne, Gen, 146, 150. 
Burnet, Wm. 51. 

19J: 

C. 

Cabot, John, 26, 53. 
Cabot, Sebastian, 26. 
Calhoun, John C. 243, 244. 
Carteret, Sir George, 77. 
Carthagenians, 15. 
Catawba river, 172. 
Cliampe, John, 169. 
Charleston, 94, 96, 135, 158, 163. 
Charleston, 129. 
Cholera, 245. 
Chauncey, Com. 217. 
Church, Capt. 64. 
Clarke, Col. 160. 
Clay, Henry, 243, 246. 
Clay, General, 216. 
Clayborne, Wm.88. 
Clinch, Gen. 249. 
Clinton, Gen. 128, 150, 163. 
Clinton, De Witt, 215. 
Clinton, George, 188. 
Coddington, Wm. 91. 
Coligny, 28. 
College. Harvard, 59. 
College] Yale, 86. 
College, Princeton, 78. 
College, Providence, 92. 
Columbus, 17, 
Columbia, District of, 195. 
Commerce, 250. 
Compass, 16. 
Concord, 123. 
Confederacy, 59, 83, 92. 
Confederation, Articles of, 153. 
Connecticut, 80. 
Constitution, federal, 180. 



10 



INDEX. 



CornwaMis, Lord, 143, 164, 171, 

175, 178. 
Cowpens, battle of, 171. 
Cromwell, Oliver, 43, 58, 83. 
Creeks, 249. 
Crown Point, 108, 125. 

D. 
Dearborn, Gen. 212. 
Davenport. Rev. John, 82. 
Dade, Major, 248. 
Danbury, 145. 

Decatur, Stephen, 199, 214, 218 
Deerfield, attack upon, 69. 
D'Estaing, 155, 161. 
De Kalb, Baron, 164. 
Delaware, 79. 
Detroit, 210. 

Dover, destruction of, 74. 
Drake, Sir F. 31. 
Dunmore, Lord, 129, 13U. 

E. 
Eaton, Wm. 200. 
Edward, fort, 147. 
Education, 258. 
Embargo, 203. 
Endicott, John, 55. 
Eutaw Springs, 173. 

Fenwick, George, 83. 
Fire, great, 247. 
Fletcher, Col. 49, 85. 
Florida, 242, 248. 
Franklin, Dr. 144, 179. 
Frazer, Gen. 150. 
Frenchtown, 216. 

G. 
Gage, Gen. 119,122. 
Gaines, Gen. 248. 
Gates, Gen. 147, 150, 164, 16G. 
Georgia, 102. 
Germantown, 151. 
Gerry, Elbridge. 194, 215. 
Gilbert, Sir H. 30. 
Gloucester, 177. 
Goffeand Whaley, 61. 
Government, 252. 



Green, Gen. 166,170,172. 
Griswold, fort, 176. 
Guilford Court House, 173. 

H. 
Hale, Capt. Nathan, 137. 
Hamilton. Alexander, 183, 184. 

188,201. 
Hancock, John, 126. 
Harrison, Gen. 206, 216, 222. 
Hartford, 81. 
Harvey. Sir John, 42. 
Hawk, Black, 245. 
Hayne, Col. Isaac, 174. 
Heath, Sir Robert, 93. 
Henry, Patrick, 129. 
Hooker, Rev. Mr. 81. 
Howe, Gen. 128, 135, 139. 
Hudson, Henry, 44. 
Hunter, Gen. 51. 
Hutchinson, Ann, 57. 
Hull, Gen. 210. 
Hull, Capt. 213. 

Illinois, 240. 
Improvements, Internal, 251. 

Declaration of. 



Independence, 

136. 
Indiana, 238. 
Indians, Southern, 224. 
Insurrection, 97. 
J. 
Jackson, Gen. 225, 233, 240, 242, 

244, 246. 
Jackson, Mr. 205. 
Jamestown, 35. 
Jasper, Sergeant, 161. 
Jay, John, 179, 184, 190. 
Jefferson, T. 183, 186, 188, 193, 

195,198,204,243. 
Jessup, Major, 226. 
Johnson, Gen. 108. 
Johnson, Col. R. M. 222. 
Jot)es, John Paul, 161^162. 
Jones, Capt. 214. 
K. 
Kentucky, 186. 



INDEX. 



il 



Kidd, Capt. 50. 
Knox, Geo. 183. 
L. 
Lafayette, 144, 14G, 175, 242. 
Lawrence, Capt. 219. 
Ledyard, Col. 176, 
Lee, Gen. 141. 
Lee, Charles, 154. 
Lee, fort, 140. 
Leisler, Jacob, 47. 
Lewistown,218. 
Lexington, 124. 

Lincofn, Gen. 157, 161, 163, 178 
Literature, 261. 
Londonderry, 75. 
Loudon, Lord, 110. 
Louisburv, 71, 110, 111. 
Louisiana, 191, 198,215. 

M. 
Macdonough, Com. 229. 
Macomb, Gen. 228. 
Madison, James, 204, 215, 239. 
Maine, 241. 
Manufactures, 250. 
Marion, Gen. 165, 173. 
Marshall, John, 194. 
Maryland, 87. 
Mason, Capt. 58. 
Mason, Robert, 73. 
Massachusetts, 53. 
McHenry, fort, 232. 
McCrea, Jane, 154. 
Mercer, Gen. 143. 
Michigan, 249. 
Miller, Col. 227. 
Mississippi. 239, 241. 
Missouri, 241. 
Money, continental, 163. 
Monroe, James, 143, 192, 239, 

242. 
Montcalm, Gen. 109, 110, 115. 
Montgomery, Gen. 130, 132, 133 
Montreal, 131. 
Moore, Gov. 96, 97. 
Morgan, Gen. 171. 
Morristown, 145. 



Moultrie, Col. 135. 

N. 
New-Hampshire, 72. 
New-Haven, 82, 158. 
New- Jersey, 76. 
New-London, 176. 
New-Orleans, 233. 
Newport, 156. 
New-York, 44, 52, 118, 139, 167. 

179, 247. 
Niagara, 109, 
Ninety-six, fort, 173. 
Norfolk, 129, 158,218. 
North Carolina, 93. 
Nova-Scotia, 106. 

O. 

Oglethorpe, James, 102, 103. 
Ohio, 198. 
Oswego, 109. 

P. 

Packenham, Gen. 234. 
Parker, Sir Peter, 135. 
Penn, Wm.77,80, 98. 
People, condition of, 251. 
Perry, Com. 220, 221. 
Pennsylvania. 98. 
Philadelphia, 100, 122. 
Philip, 62, 63,64, 65. 
Phoenicians, 14. 
Pigot, Gen. 129. 
Pike, Gen. 217. 
Pinckney, Charles C. 192, 193, 

195. ' 
Pinckney, Thomas, 191. 
Pitt, VVm. 111,112,118,122. 
Pittsburg, 112. 
Plattsburg, 228. 
Platform, Say brook, 86. 
Plymouth, .55. 
Pocahontas, 38. 
Porter, Com. 233. 
Preble. Com. 199. 
Prescott, Col. 127. 
Provost, Gen. 228. 
Prideaux, Gen. 112. 
Princeton, 143, 170. 



12 



INDEX. 



Providence, 91. 

Pulaski, Count, 161. 

Puritans, 54. 

Putnam, Gen. 128, 138, 159. 

a 

Quakers, 60. 
Quebec, 113, 115, 133. 

R. 
Raleigh, Sir W. 30. 
Randolph, Edward, 66. 
Randolph, Edmund, 184, 186. 
Reed, Gen. 153. 
Religion, 265. 
Revolution, 116. 
Rhode-Island, 90. 
Riall, Gen. 226. 
Ripley, Gen. 227. 
Rogers, Com. 206. 
Ross, Gen. 230, 23L 
Rush, Richard, 243. 

S. 
Sackets Harbor, 217. 
Savannah, 102, 137, 161. 

Sayle, Win. 94, 95. 

Saybrook, 83. 

Schenectady, 48. 

Schuyler, Gen. 147, 

Scott, Gen. 227,245. 

Shirley, Gen. 109. 

Six Nations, 106, 133. 

Sloughtcr, Col. Henry, 49. 

Smith, John, 35. 

Smith, Gen. 212. 

Sothel, Seth, 94, 96. 

South Carolina, 95, 245. 

Stamp-act, 117. 

Stark, Gen. 148. 

St. Clair, Gen. 187. 

St. Marys, 87. 

Sullivan, Gen. 134, 160. 

Sumpier, Gen. 164, 165, 173. 
T. 

Tarleton,Col.l64,.16.5, 171. 

Tariff bill, 245. 

Taylor, Col. 156. 

Tecumseh, 206, 222, 223 



Thomas, Gen. 133. 
Ticonderoga, 111,112, 146= 
Tippecanoe, 207. 
Trenton, 141. 
Truxton, Com. 194. 
Tuscaroras, 94. 

V. 

Valley Forge, 152. 
Van Buren, Martin, 246. 
Vane, Sir Henry, 57. 
Van Rensselaer, 211,212. 
Vaughan, Gen. 150. 
Vermont, 27. 
Verrazzano, 27. 

W. 
Wadsworth, Capt. 85, 86. 
Walden, Major, 74. 
Warner, Gen. 187. 
Warren, Gen. 129. 
Warren, Admiral, 218. 
War, Pequot, 58. 
War, French, 105. 
War of Revolution, 123. 
War, Seminole, 240, 247. 

Washington, Geo. 105, 108,126, 
134,138, 139, 141, 146, 151, 
176, 183, 188, 191 , 192, 195. 

Washington, fort, 140. 

Washigton City, 230. 

Wayne, Gen. 151, 1.59, 170, 189, 

Webb, Gen. 109, 110. 

West-Point. 167. 

Whitfield, George, 102. 

White Plains, 140. 

Williams, Roger, 57,90, 92. 

Williams, Col. 108. 

Winder, Gen. 230. 

Winslow, Geo. 64, 80. 

Winslow, Gen. 106. 

VVinthrop, Geo. 56. 

Winthrop, John, 81, 84. 

Wirt, Wm. 246. 

Wisconsin, 249. 

Witchcraft, 68, 69. 

Wolfe, Gen. 11.3,115, 

V\ yoming, 156. 



INTRODUCTION 



1. Whex we consider the flourishing condition of our own 
country, — the progress of learning, and of the arts, — the aston- 
ishing facilities for traveling and commeicial enterprise, we 
ought to be told, or bear in mind if we know, tiiat it is but a few 
years since mankind have enjoyed most of liiese blessings; and 
tliat this nation enjoys them in a higher degiee than any other 
on the globe. Civilized men have risen to tlieir present eleva- 
tion in the arts and sciences, through a long series of ages, though 
we cannot exactly trace the progress of tinjir iinfirovement. For, 
since tlie creation of man, many nations have lived and passed 
away, without leaving on record a single ev(>nt of their history. 
Of the millions who dwelt upon the earth before the flood, we 
know comparatively nothing. 




A ■^i.w of tht civilizfcd vorld 2000 vears li. C. 



14 INTRODUCTION. 

2. The first liistoricnl acmunts we have of mankind, in a civi- 
lized state, extend back nr) farther than about 2000 years before 
Christ, the period when E^rypt was distinguished for learning, 
for a knowledge of the arts, and for a high degree of national 
prosperity. At this time all other nations appear to have been 
sunk in darkness. The condition of tlie world at that period, 
and the first dawn of civilization, may be illustrated by the cut 
on the preceding piige. 

3. From Egypt a knowledge of the arts of civilized life ex- 
tended to otiier nations bordering on the Mediterranean sea. At 
this time the art of navigation was little known ; but commerce 
was carried on between distant cities by land. For thousands of 
years mankind were ignorant of tlie extent, and even of the 
shape of the earth,* — and the oceant was considered as a mighty 
barrier which no one could pass. As the light of civilization 
spread abroad, and a spirit of commercial enterprise took the 
place of the wandering and sluggish habits of barbarous life, 
mankind began to navigate the gre-U rivers and inland seas, till 
a profitable trade was carried on in ships between distant na- 
tions. The art of navigation, as we shall see by tracing its pro- 
gress from its infancy down to its present state of perfection, has 
been attended witli the most important results to man. 

4. The Pho3nicians,t or Tyrians, a people who dwelt on the 
east of the Mediterranean, were most early distinguished for 
commercial enterprise. It is supposed that they first construct- 
ed ships, and invented the art of navigation. They traded not 
only with the nations inhabiting the coasts of the Mediterra- 
nean, but established a regular intercourse with India and Ara- 
bia, by way of the isthmus of Suez and the Red sea. From 
these countries they imported the most valuable commodities. 
For a long time they engrossed that lucrative trade without a 
rival. The vast wealth which they acquired by this means, in- 
duced the Hebrews, in the days of David and Solomon, to en- 
gage in commercial affairs. They sent ships from Ezion-geber, 

* Formerly the earth was supposed to l>e flat, and the heavenly bodies to 
move round it.— W. living. 

t " The ocean," says an eminent Arabian geographer of that time, " encir- 
cles the ultimate liounds of the inhabited earth, and all beyond it is unknown. 
No one has been able to verify any thing concerning it on account ot its diffi- 
cult and perilous navigation,' its great obscuiity, its profound depth and fre- 
quent tempests, throiigh fear of its mighty fislies, and its liaughty winds. Yet 
there are many islands in it, some of which are i)eopled and others uninhabit- 
ed. 1 here is no mariner who dares to enter into its deep waters ; or if they 
have done so, they have merely kept along its coasts, fearful of departing from 
them." 

^ The invention of letters is attributed to the Phoenicians. Cadmus, the 
leader of a colony from Phoinicia, founded Thebes, and introduced letters into 
Greece, about 1519 IJ. C. The alphabet at that time consisted only of sixteen 
letters. 



INTRODUCTION. 15 

a port on the Red sea, to Opliir, [see 1 Kin»s, ix. 2G.] and after 
an absence of three^ years tlicy returned laden with j^old, ivory, 
ebony, &c. 

5. The Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, the most learned na- 
tions of antiquity, seem to have paid no attention to navigation 
farther than it was connected with the means of conquest and 
military glory. The Carthaginians* surpassed all others of that 
period in commerce and naval power. They made the whole 
of the old world tributary lo their city. IVot content with ex- 
ploring every nook and corner of the Mediterranean, they visit- 
ed the Atlantic coasts of Europe, the British isles, and, accord- 
ing to Plinv, a Roman historian, they circumnavigated Africa, 
and leturned home by the Red sea. Had not Carthage early 
I'ailen by the power of the Romans, perhaps to them would have 
accrued the glory of discovering America, ages before it was 
known to the civilized world. 

C. The art of navigation gained nothing for centuries after the 
fall of Carthage. But from the subveision of tlie Roman em- 
pire, t it seems to have been forgotten until the returning dawn of 
civilization which succeeded the gloomy period called the dark 
ages. The rude tribes which settled in Italy, having acquired 
some relish for the arts of civil life, engaged in commercial af- 
fairs with spirit and activity. From about the ninth to the 
fourteenth century, they were the only commercial people of 
Europe. t 

7. Among these the Venetians took the lead. For a long time 
they engrossed the whole of the lucrative commerce of India, 

* Carthage, a famous city of Africa, founded by a colony of Phcenicians or 
Tynans, b. C, 869, and capital of a rich commercial republic. It was destroy- 
ed by the Romans, B. C. 146. 

t Rome was taken A. D. 476, by Odacer, prince of Heruli, and an end put to 
the Western Roman Empire. lis ruin was the result of its givat e.\tent, con- 
nected with its moral corruption. Home had becoHie the seat of luxury, wick- 
edness, and protlip^acy. It contained within itself tiie seeds of dissolution, and 
the Goths, Vandals, Huns, 8iC., who came to take veng'eance on the empire, 
only hastened its downfall. It now jjussed forever from the hands of its origi- 
nal masters into tiie hands of the baibaiians who had so long harassed it by 
their invasions. These tribes issued from their wilds, and like a niighty toi^- 
rent rolled on and swept away every thing before them. Iheir path was 
marked by blood and fire. Nothing was sacred. A night of moral and intel- 
lectual darkness oversjiread the v orld. For sevt-ral ages, literature, science, 
tastf', were words scarcely in use. Persons of tin highest rank, and in the most 
eminent stations, could'not read or write. Ibis stiite of things, called the 
DARK AGKS, continued from the extinction of the Westerly Empire to what 
is termed the revival of learning, about A. D. 1450. 

X By means of their extensive commercial intercourse with various parts of 
Europe, Asia and Africa, the Italians jmsstsst-d more geographical knowledge 
and nautical skill, and had acquired more correct i;leas of the true figure of 
ilie earth, than any other p( opie of that agf-. 'I'his will account for tlie singu- 
lar fact, that tiie discoverer of America, uiid those \\\\o soon after explored dif- 
f<:-rent parts of it, were nativts of the commercial cities of Italy, viz., Colum- 
bus, Americu* Vespucius, Cabot and Verrazzano. 



16 INTRODUCTION. 

which they carried on by way of Etrypt and the Red sea,* or 
through tiie inland routes of Asia. Tiic immense wealth which 
they acquired by this trade, and the high prices put upon the 
articles thus imported, excited the envy and tlie enterprise of the 
other nations of Europe. Many began anxiously to inquire, 
whether anotljer route to India could not be found, — one less te- 
dious, less expensive, — one that would afford a free and easy 
course to the nations of Euiope, and enable all the commercial 
states to procure at a cheaper rate whatever Southern Asia af- 
forded. 

8. About this time, the matiner's compasst was invented, and 
man was enabled to pass the boundary within which he fiad 
been so long conh'ned. .Soon after tiiis, the art of printing was 
invented. These had a wonderful effect on mankind. They 
now seemed to awaUe as from a dream. Tliey began to think, 
to study the laws of nature, to found schools and colleges. A 
spirit of maritime discovery was awakened. Several nations 
began to turn their attention to navigation and commercial en- 
terprise. 

9. Among these, the Portuguese led the way ; and to them is 
justly due the honor of setting on foot those enterprises of dis- 
covery and commerce, which have been attended with such hap- 
py results to mankind. Under the patronage of Prince Henryt 



* If you will examine a map, you will perceive, that although the Venitians 
pursued the shortest route between India and Euiope, yet it must have been 
laborious, stow, and expensive. For the goods were transported to the isthmus 
of Suez by water, there landed and conveyed in carriages, or on camels, a dis- 
tance of more tiian sixty milt-s, to the ports of the Mediterranean, where they 
were re-shipped and tr.insported to Venice or other ports of Europe. Now you 
Avill perceive, that a continued water passage of much greater length, might be 
effected with less dilficully and less expense. 

1" The mariner's compass is an instrument used by sailors to point out theii* 
coui*se at sea. It consists of a magnetic needle suspended freely on a pivot, 
containing a card marked with the thirty-two points of direction into which 
the horizon is divided, and which are thence called POIN'l'S OF COMPASS. 
The needle always pointsto the north, except slight vaiiations, and the direc- 
tion which the ship is steering is therefore determined by a mere inspection of 
the card. AV hen and by whom the compass was inveiUed is uneeitain ; butit 
is supposed to have been in 1302, by Flavius Gioia, of Naples. It did not come 
into general use, however, till after the jear 1400. 'this important instrumeitt 
has had more influence on navigation than all the eiliirts (jf preceding ages. 
It has enabled man to quit his timid course along the shore, and steer boldly 
across the unknown deep. It bus opened to him the dominion of the sea, anii 
has put him in possession of the terrestrial globe, by enabling him to visit every 
part of it. 

t Prince Henry, the navigator, son of John I. king of Portugal. He wai 
born A. D. 1394. He early manifested a lo\e for arms and military glory, par- 
ticularly in the wars ag-riinst the Moors ; but this was siupassed, how ever,'b) his 
loveof the sciences, especially mathematics, astronomy and navigation. Du- 
ring his expi'ditions in Africa, his \ esstls visited parts of the ocean which the 
navigators of that age hud regarded as inaccessible. Rnt Piince Henry medi- 
tated the discovery of countries till then unknown. Familiar with the previ- 
ous progress of geographical science, he neglected no oppoitunity, during his. 



INTRODUCTION. l7 

they discovered the Azores, Madeira, and Cape Verd ishinds, 
and explored the shores of Africa to the coast of Guinea. The 
fame of these discoveries attracted the learned, the curious, and 
the adventurous, frotn various nations, to Lisbon. Among others 
Christopher Cohiwibus* arrived there about 1470. 

10. During his residence in Portugal, he sailed in several of 
their expeditions to tlie coast of Guinea and the African islands. 
He participated largely in the excitement which was felt by all 
concerned in maritime altiiirs. As it was the grand object of 
the Portuguese at this time to discover a passage to the Indies by 
water, Colunibus, from his knowledge of the spherical figure of 
the earth, was persuaded, that instead of sailing round the 
southern extremity of Alrica, a shorter and more easy route 
might be found by steering directly west, across the Atlantic 
ocean. 

11. He supposed that the eastern coast of Asia was separated 
from the western shores of Europe and Africa by an ocean of 
moderate extent. Several facts tended to confirm this idea. 
Pieces of carved wood, reeds of an enormous size, and above all 
a canoe with the dead bodies of two men, differing in com- 
plexion from any known race of people, had been driven by 

campaigns in Africa, to obtain from tlie Moois a knowledge of the regions bor- 
dering on Egy])t and Arabia, and to inquire into the jjiubability of a passage 
to the treasures of India, bya voyage round the western coast of Africa. 'Die 
Moors, or Arabians, alone, at this period, were acquainted witli tliis portion of 
the earth. From this source he received much information respecting the 
coast of Guinea and oiher maritime regions. Fully persuaded ihat Africa 
was circumnavigable,— that a ship by keeping along its shores miglit sail from 
Europe to India,— lie offered generous rt^wards to all wlin would undertake 
voyages of discovery down tlie western coast of Africa. Akliough lie died be- 
fore lie had accomplished the great object of iiis ambition, viz., A PASSAGE 
TO INDIA KY WATKli,yeihe lived long enough to behold, through his 
means, his native country in a grand career of prosperity. He died in 1463. 

* Christopher Columbus was born in the city of Cienoa, about 1435. His fa- 
ther, Dominico Colombo, a poor wool-comber, gave him as good an education 
as his limited means would allow. He early evinced a strong passion for geo- 
graphic^^ knowledge, and anil-resistible inclination for the sea ; and at fourteen 
years of^age he began to navigate the Mediterranean. He (.onimeneed his 
sea-faring career with a relative nai ed Colombo, a ha.dy old captain of the 
seas, bold and adventurous, and ready to fight in any cause. Wiih this vete- 
ran cruiser, Columbus sailed several years, engaged in warlike enterprises 
against the Mahometans ami Venetians. In one of his engagements with the 
Venetians, the vessel coaimanded by Columbus grappled with a large galley, 
and the crews fought in close combat. In the fury of the contest they threw 
hand grenades and other fiery missiles. The galley took lire, and botli ves- 
sels soon became one tiaming mass. The crews threw themselves into the sea. 
Columbus saved his life by swimming ashore. Portugal, at this time, attract- 
ed the attention of Europe by her maritime expeditions and discoveiies. Co- 
lumbus repaired to Lisbon about 1470. Here he married the daughter of Bar- 
tholomeo ile Pallestrello, a distinguished navigator, who had participated in the 
discovery of some of the African islands, anU had left many charts, journals, 
and nautical instruments. Columbus made use of these materials, and by 
profound study became pei-suaded that the shortest route to India would be 
found by sailing in a westerly direction. 

2* 



18 INTRODUCTION. 

westerly winds upon the Azores or Western islands. These, 
and other facts of similar import, convinced him that land might 
be easily reached bv saiiinj: in a western direction. 

12. Having established his tlieory, and matured the plan of a 
voyage, he now began to tiiink of the means of carrying it into 
execution. Believing it too important an enterprise to be un- 
dertaken by an individual, he deemed it necessary to secure the 
patronage of some sovereign power. For this purpose, in 1484, 
he made his views known to John II. king of Portugal ; but in- 
stead of receiving assistance, he experienced ridicule, contempt, 
and ingratitude.* 

13. Columbus now returned and laid hia plans before the 
government of Genoa. But that republic was now in a state of 
decline, and embarrassed by ruinous wars ; and in addition to 
this, its rulers were unable to form any idea of the principles 
upon which he founded his hopes of success. They looked up- 
on his proposed voyage ms the project of a visionary or lunatic. 

14. Columbus next applied to Ferdinand and Isabella, king 
and queen of IrSpain. They listened to his views with attention, 
and gave him hopes of assistance.! But he was kept seve- 
ral years in a state of suspense, struggling with the obstacles 
thrown in his way by ignorance and malice, before he was ena- 
bled to proceed on a voyage ol" discovery. At length, by orders 
of Isabella, a fleet, consisting of three small vessels and one 
hundred and twenty men, was tilted out and placed nndei his 
command. 



* Kini^ John f^iive Coluiiilms nn ntteiuive hearing', and being- struck with the 
scheme, he rLltiivd it to a council of learned men. liwns treated by them 
with contempt, as extravajjant am! \isioiiary. Some of tliein ])ni|)Ostd, how- 
ever, a treacherons experiment to test the trutli of !iis tlieory, and if tjtnid cor- 
rect, thus secure the glory of the disi-ovcry to tiie crown of Portugal '1 he 
king assented to this, and prociii-ini:; fiom Coliinjjus a ])lan of lus intended 
voyage in wnting", and the chartv li> \\ hicli In- intLiitlcd lo sliajie liis course, he 
dispatched ;i caravel, or small ves-^^l,t() piiisu. tlu- dfsiguatcd route. 'I'lie cap- 
tain, however, was as ileficientin coiiragi^ as his i tujilou r-. were in dignity and 
justice. After sailing in a westerly dir, ction for some day*, and seeing )»uihing 
but a waste of wild tumbling waves heibre liiiii. lie i-ttiinu i! to I.isbon. ridieu- 
ling and execrating the project as wild, irratio.ial, and, abo\e all, DANGER- 
OUS ! 

+ By order of Ferdinand and Isabella, a council of t'le most learned men in 
Spain were assembled to exainine the merits of Coliiniluis's plans. They ridi- 
culed his (iropositions as wildand evt!a^ r.i^ai-.t. *• '>\'hat xanity."" sv\id one, "to 
think at tliis late day /(f has ilisco\<red sunutliiiig wiiicii lias escaped the no- 
tice of all before liim !" " How ridiculous are his plans !'' said a second, " for 
■we all know, that if a ship should sail westward ou a globe, s!ie would necessa- 
I'ily go down on the opposite sitle, and if slie did not sli|) oil", it Mould be im- 
possible for her ever to return, for it would be like climbing up liill, wliicli 
i»o sliip could do with the strongest wind." " How absurd,'" said another, "to 
believe that there are peojile with ilieir feet opposite to otn-s, who walk 
with their lieels upwards and their heads hanging down ; that there is a part 
of the world where all things are topsey-turvey : where the fees grow wilht 
their branches downwards, and yhere it hails, t:\insand shows upwards!" 



INTRODUCTION. 19 

15. The progress nfciiilization, as shown by the map below, 
had now extended tlie blessings of learning, of the arts, and of 
commerce, to most of tlie nations of Europe, and opened a most 
profitable trade with India. The discovery of tlie mariner's 
compass had greatly improved the art of navigation ; and the 
study of geography and natural science had prepared many 
minds to favor the theory of the persevering philosopher. 




A view of tlie civilized Morhl, A. D. 1492. 

IG. AH things being ready, on the 3d of August, 14S2, Co- 
lumbus set sail from the port of Palos, in Spain. Thus, after 
eighteen years of painful solicitation at diflerent courts, amidst 
poverty, neglect and ridicule, he was enabled to test the truth 
of his theory, and engage in an enterprise which has led to more 
important results than any ever before undertaken by man. 

17. He steered directly for the Canary islands. Here he re- 
fitted his vessels, — furnished himself with water and fresh pro- 
visions. On the Gth of September, he f-teered directly west into 
an ocean on which no vessel had ever before sailed. J\o sooner 
were they out of sight of land, than the hearts of his crews- 



20 INTRODUCTION. 

were filled with anguish. They seemed to have taken leave of the 
world. Behind them was every thing dear to the heart of man, — 
country, family, friends ; before them all was mystery, gloom, 
and peril. After sailing twenty-one days without the sight of 
land, their courage began to sink ; but Columbus, by reminding 
them of the honors, the glory, the riches, they would acquire by 
completing the voyage, succeeded in dispelling their fears and 
reviving their hopes. 

18. About this time the needle of the compass deviated from 
its course, that is, it did not point to the north star, or north pole. 
At this the pilots, and even Columbus himself, became alarmed. 
They were fearful that this instiument was about to lose its mys- 
terious virtues; and witliout this guide,what was to become of them 
on a vast and trackless ocean ? But shortly after, they met large 
quantities of floating sea-weed, and numbers of birds were also 
seen. For several days the voyage was continued with anima- 
ted hopes. They every moment expected to see land; but after 
sailing many days without seeing any, they became disheartened. 
Their impatience rose to absolute mutiny. 

19. "Here we are," said they, " sailing day after day into 
seas where man has never sailed before. And for what .'' Why 
simply that our commander, who is an ambitious desperado, may 
do something extravagant to render himself notorious. Shall 
we continue on until all perish, or return while we have the 
power of so doing.'' Who would blame us .' He is a foreigner^ 
without friends. His schemes have been condemned and ridi- 
culed by the learned. Many would be gratified by his failure." 

20. Some even proposed to throw him overboard and return 
without him. Columbus was aware of the state of feeling among 
the crews ; and after trying various ways to pacify them, promi- 
sed that if they would continue on three days longer, he would 
then return if land was not discovered. To this they all agreed. 
The next day they became convinced that they were near land. 
Birds were seen flying in all directions. A branch of a thorn- 
bush, with berries on it, floated by. They picked up a reed, a 
small board, and a staff" curiously carved. 

21. There were now no murmurs, no complaints. Every eye 
was turned in the direction whence land was expected to be 
seen. On the following night, October Uth, all remained on 
deck. About 10 o'clock Columbus saw something : it appeared 
to be a light at a great distance. He pointed it out to those near 
him. They saw it. They continued on till about two in the morn- 
ing, when a gun from the forward vessel gave the joyful signal 
of land. When daylight appeared, they saw before them a level 
and beautiful island, of great freshness and verdure, which he af- 
terwards named St. Salvador. It was covered with trees and 
evidently populous, for multitudes were seen issuing from the 



INTRODUCTION. 21 



woods, and running from all parts to the shore. All the boats 
were immediately manned and armed, and the Spaniards rowed 
toward the shore with music and martial pomp. 

22. Columbus went first on shore, and was followed by his 
men. They all knelt, kissed the ground with tears of joy, and 
returned thanks to God for their successful voyage. Columbus 
now drawing his sword, planted the royal standard, and took 
formal possession of the country in the name of the king and 
queen of Spain. The natives^ witnessed these ceremonies with 
wonder. All was new, — the complexion, the dress, the shining 
armor of the Spaniards. 

23. Columbus, perceiving them to be a simple and inoffensive 
people, to gain their good will, gave them some red caps, strings 
of beads, and other trifles, which they received with the great- 
est transport. He spent a few days in examining the coast and 
productions of the country, and then sailed to other islands 
which lay within sight. Having discovered Cuba and Hispani- 
ola,t and several other islands, he built a fort and left a colony 
of thirty-nine men. He obtained large quantities of gold, and 
other valuable articles, and taking a number of tlie natives, he 
sailed for Spain^ Jan. 4, 1493. 

24. After encountering many toils and dangers, he arrived at 
Palos on the 15th of March, amid the shouts of the people, the 
ringing of bells, and the thunder of cannon. Success usually 
causes an astonishing change in the opinions of mankind. Co- 
lumbus, who had been treated as. a senseless visionary, was now 
received with almost regal honors. His entrance into Barcelona, 
where the court then resided, was a species of triumph more 
glorious than that of a conqueror. It was the tribute of respect 
paid to genius and exalted worth. 

25. Columbus, after this, made three other voyages to the 
NEW WORLD, and on the 1st of August, 1498, he discovered the 
continent near the mouth of the Oronoko. The latter part of 
his life was embittered by the envy and malice of his enemies. 
In a word, he experienced the fate of the trul}'- great. With an 
ingratitude scarcely to be paralleled, he was once sent homo in 
chains,! to answer a groundless accusaJion. Though declared 
innocent, and apparently restored to regal fiivor, lie never re- 
ceived the rewards due to his merit. § Even the honor of giving 

* India was a term applied by Europeans to the soiitlieastern parts of Asia 
and the adjacent islands. As Columbus was in searcli of these regfions, tlie 
tirst land he discovered lie supposed to be a part of India, and he called the in- 
liabitants I.VDIANS, and this name was subsequently applied to all the na- 
tives of the western world, and which they siiil retain. 

1" Hispuniola, now called Hayti. 

X These cliains CoUimhus kept Itajiginp; in his room during his life, and 
requested that when he died they might be buried in his grave, wliich was ac- 
cordingly done. 

§ The Spanish nobility were envious of the honors and distinctions conferred 
upon Columbus, and they sought every opportunity to detract from his merits, 



22 INTRODUCTION. 

name to the new world he had discovered, was denied him. 
Worn down with anxieties, fatigues, and sufferings, he ended his 
useful life at Valladolid, the 20th of May, 1506. His last words 
were, " Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit." 

26. He died, says Mi. Irving, in ignorance of the real gran- 
deur of his discovery. Until his last breath, he entertained the 
idea that lie had merely opened a new way to the old resorts of 
opulent commerce, and had discovered some of the wild regions 
of the east. He supposed Hispaniola to he the ancient Ophir 
which had been visited by the ships of king Solomon, and that 
Cuba and Terra Firma were but remote parts of Asia. What 
visions of glory would have broken upon his mind, could he 
have known that he had indeed discovered a new continent, 
equal to the old world in magnitude, and separated by two vast 
oceans from all the earth hitherto known by civilized men ! 

27. The discoveries of Columbus produced a powerful ex- 
citement in Spain and Portugal. Sevptal individuals, stimulated 
by the hope of wealth and honors, made equipments at their own 
expense, and crossed the ocean. Among the earliest of these ad- 
venturers, was Alonzo de Ojeda,an enterprising ofKcer who had 
accompanied Columbus in his first expedition. He sailed in 1499, 
and discovered the main land at the mouth of the Oronoko. With 
liim was one Ameiicus Vespucius,* who published on his return 
so flattering an account of his voyage, as to make it appear that 
he had the honor of first discovering the continent of the new- 
world. His description was the first given to the public. It 
circulated rapidly, and was read with admiration. By this 
means he obtained the honor of giving his name to this conti- 
nent, but not without manifest injustice to Columbus. 

and to decry the greatness of li is actions. Ihey insinuated that his dicoveries 
were rather tlie result of accident than of well-conceited measures. At a 
public dinner, several courtiers abruptly asked him, whether in case he had 
not discovert d the Indies there would not have been men in Spain capable of 
doing it. Columbus made no direct reply, but, calling for an e^^, he invited 
?he company to make it stand upon one end. When every one had attempted 
it in vain, and confessed it impossible, " Give it me," said Columbus. Having 
taken it, he struck it upon the table, broke one end, and left it standing on the 
broken part. They all cried out, " Why, / could have done that." "Yes,"* 
said Columbus, "but none of you thought of it. So I discovered the Indies, 
and now every pilot can steer tlie same course. Remember tlie scijffs that 
were thrown out at me before I put my design into execution. Then it was a 
dream, a chimera, a delusion,— 7j07y it is what any person might have done as 
well as I!" 

* Americus Vespticius was born at Florence, in Italy, in 1451. He early dis- 
covered a taste for philosophy, mathematics, and navigation. In 1490, he went 
to Spain for the purpose of trading, and was at Seville when Columbus was 
making ))reparatioiis tor his second voyage. The success of Columbus's under- 
taking, induced Vespucius to give up trade and explore these newly discovered 
countries. In 1499, he sailed with Ojeda, as stated above, after having clan- 
destinely obtainetl from the bishop of Burgos the drafts and plans which 
Columbus had left in his hands, in obedience to the orders of tlieir Catholic 
majesties. He made several voyages afterwards, and died at Seville, in 1512. 



€fenet:al IBMuion, 



The history of the United States naturally divides 
itself into four periods. 

The FIRST period comprises the events that oc- 
curred from the discovery of America by Christo- 
pher Columbus, in 1492, to the first permanent j^^^- 
lish settlement in America, at Jamestown, Virginia, 
in 1607. 

The SECOND PERIOD comprises the events that 
occurred from the settlement of Jamestown to the 
Declaration of Independence ^ in 1776. 

The THIRD PERIOD comprlscs the events that oc- 
curred from the Declaration of Independence to the 
adoption of the Federal Constitution, or present sys- 
tem of government. 

The FOURTH PERIOD comprlscs the events that oc- 
curred from the adoption of the Constitution to the 
present time. 



^ntrolructot^ ILessoti* 



What is the name of this town ? What is the principal em- 
ployment of the people of this town ? What do you under- 
stand b-y agriculture? manufactures? commerce? Have any 
events worthy of notice taken place in this town since you can 
remember? Do you think any have happened since your pa- 
rents can remember? Can you mention any that have been 
told you ? Can you mention the names of any distinguished 
persons that have lived in this town ? Can you inform me when 
this town was first settled by white people, or Europeans ? Wh<» 
lived here before the white people came ? What has become of 
the Indians? Siiould you like to hear a person relate all the 
important events that have happened in this town, since it was 
first settled by white people ? What would you cmH this rela- 
tion or account ? Does history always signify a relation or nar- 
rative of past events ? 

What is the name of this county ? Can you inform me which 
town in this county contains the greatest number of inhabitants ? 
Which is the shire or county town ? What is the principal em- 
ployment of the people of this county ? Can you tell me which 
town in this county was first settled by Europeans? Can you 
mention the names of any distinguished persons that have lived 
in this county ? Can you relate any events worthy of notice 
that have taken place in this county ? 

What is the name of this State? What is the capital of it? 
What do you mean by capital? Which is the most populous 
town or city in this State ? What is the difference between a 
town and a city ? Who is the present governor of this State ? 
Who was governor before him ? What town was first settled in 
this State? By what European nation was it settled? How 
many years since ? Can you mention the names of any distin- 
guished individuals that have lived in this State ? Can you re- 
late any important events that have happened in this State? 

What is the name of this country ? What is the capital of the 
United States? Which is the most populous city in the United 
States? Where was the first permanent English settlement 
made in the U. S. ? How many years since ? Who is the pres- 
ident of the U.S.? Who was president before him? \Vho 
is the vice-president of the U. S. ? Can you mention the names 
of any distinguished persons that have lived in the U. S. ? Can 
you relate any important events that have taken place in the 
U. S.? Is our present form of government monarchical or re- 
publican ? What is the difference between a monarchical form 
of government and a republican ? 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 




SITUATION OF AMERICA IN A. D. 1492. 



PERIO® I. 

Comprises the events that occurred from the discovery of 
America, hy Columbus, in 1492, to the settlement of 
Jamestown, A. D, 1607. 

1. The discovery of America produced great excite- 
ment throughout the civilized world, and avi^akened a 



(Questions. What events does the first period comprise? By 
whom was America discovered ? When ? What was the con- 
dition of the country at that time ? A. A wilderness, inhabited 
by Indians. 

3 



26 HISTORY OF THE Urs'ITED STATES. 1497, 

spirit of activity, enterprise and inquiry never before 
known. The gold, the silver, and other valuable produc- 
tions found here by the Spaniards, excited other nations 
to make discoveries in these new and unexplored regions. 
Among these the English took the lead. 

2. In 1497, John Cabot,* and his son Sebastian,-j- under 
the patronage of Henry VII. king of England, discover- 
ed the island of Newfoundland, and shortly after the con- 
tinent itself. Thence they sailed along the coast as far 
south as Florida. Having taken possession of the coun- 
try in behalf of the crown of England, they returned 
without making any settlement. Upon the discoveries 

1. What effect did the discovery of America produce? 
What induced other nations to make discoveries in America? 
A. The hopes of enriching themselves by extending their com- 
merce, acquiring vast territories, and obtaining gold, silver, and 
other valuable productions. What nation took the lead ? 

2. Who first sailed from England to America? Who was 
John Cabot? Sebastian Cabot? Who was king of England at 
that time? What did they discover ? What was the method 
of taking possession of a newly discovered country. A. By 
erecting crosses along the coast, and inscribing the name of the 
nation upon them which made the discovery ? Upon what did 
the English found their claim to the eastern part of North 
America ? 



* .Tohn Cabot was a native of Venice. He resided in Bristol, England, some 
years previous to the discovery of America by Columbus. He was skilled in 
all the scieiict'S requisite to form an accomplished jiuiriHer. Kncourajjt d by 
the success of Columbus in his first voyage, Cabot was determined to attempt 
the discoveiy of unknown lands. He sailed from En>>'land the beginning of 
May, i497,witli two vtssels freighted by the merchants of London and Bns- 
tol, with articles of traffic and 300 men. The accounts of this voyage are in- 
volved in much obscurity. According to some, afier discovering the continent, 
lie sailed northto the latitude of sixty-seven degrees ; but meeting with ice, he 
changed his course and sailed along the coast towards the equator till he came to 
Florida. Here his provisions failed him, and a mutiny broke out among his 
men ; and he was compelled to return to England. 

t Sebastian Cabot, son of John Cabot, was born at Bristol, England, about 
the year 1477. He was early instructed in the mathematical knowledge ne- 
cessary for a seaman, and at the age of seventeen had made several voyages. 
He sailed several times to the western continent for the purpose of finding a 
passage to the East Indies- Being disappointed in this, he quit England and 
spent some time in the service of Spain. About tlie beginning of the reign of 
Edward VI. 1549, he returned to England, and had a pension settled on him 
as gi-and-pilot of England. He died about 1557, leaving behind him a high 
character both as a skillful seamau and a man of great general abilities. 



1524. DISCOVERIES IN AMERICA. 27 

made in this voyage, the English founded their claim to 
the eastern part of North America.* 

3. In 1512, JuanPoncedeLeon,faSpanish commander, 
discovered and named Florida. Having obtained a com- 
mission from the king of Spain, he soon after attempted 
to plant a colony in it. But no sooner had he landed 
than his company were attacked by the natives, with poi- 
soned arrows, and the greater part of them killed, and 
the remainder obliged to quit the country. In conse- 
quence of this discovery, the Spaniards laid claim to the 
territory of Florida. 

4. In 1524, John Verrazzano,:!: in the employment of 
Francis I. king of France, sailed along the American 
coast from Florida to Labrador, and named the country 



3 When and by whom was Florida discovered ? By whom 
was he commissioned to plant a colony there? What became of 
this cf)lony ? Upon what did the Spaniards rest their claim to 
Florida ? 

4. In what year did Verrazzano sail along the American coast ? 
By whom employed ? What did he call the country ? What 
happened to him the next year ? When and by whom was an- 
other expedition made ? What gulf did Coriier discover and 
name? Of what country did he take possession the next year ? 
In whose name? What laid the foundation of the French claims 
in N. A. ? W^hen was an attempt made to plant a colony, and 
with what success ? 



* It was adopted as a rule by the sovereigns of Europe, and is still received 
as a principle of the law of nations, that newly discovered countries belong^ 
10 the disco\ erers. 

t Juan Ponce de Leon was sent to conquer the island of Porto Rico ; and 
having there amassed g;reat riches, and received information of an island situa- 
ted to the north, in which there was a miraculous fountain possesiinjj the pow- 
er of rest<)rin{( vouth to the ag^ed, lie sailed, in 1512, in quest of these happy 
shores. Althou>h he was unahle to find THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUIH, 
lie discovered tlie country to which he gave the name of Florida, on account 
of its blooming appearance. 

i John Verrazzano was a native of Florence, Italy. It is worthy of remark, 
that Sjiain, England and Fiance, owed their first discoveries in the new world 
to the Italians,— a circumstance which clearly i)roves, that in those times no 
nation was equal to the Italians in point of maritime knowledge and exten- 
sive experience in nangation. It is, however, remarkable, that the Italians, 
with all their knowledge and experience, have not been able to acquire one 
inch of ground for themselves in America. This singular failure has been 
ascribed to the penurious mercantile spirit of the Italian republics,— to their 
mutual animosities and petty wars, and to their contracted, selfish policy. 



28 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1562, 

New-France. He made another voyage the year fol- 
lowing, when, by some unknown disaster, he and all his 
companions perished. In 1534, the French fitted out 
another expedition under James Cortier. He discovered 
and named the gulf of St, Lawrence. The year follow- 
ing, he sailed up the river St. Lawrence, as far as Mon- 
treal, and took possession of the country in the name of 
the French king. The discoveries of Verrazzano and 
Cortier laid the foundation of the French claim in North 
America. In 1540, they attempted to plant a colony in 
Canada, but being unsuccessful, they abandoned the en- 
terprise. 

5. In 1539, Ferdinand de Soto,* governor of Cuba, land- 
ed on the coast of Florida with an army of about 1,200 
men. He penetrated far into tlie country in search of 
gold, exposed to famine, hardships, and the opposition of 
the natives. In the spring of 1541, he discovered the 
Mississippi, about 600 miles from its mouth. He con- 
tinued his march westward to the Red river, where he 
died, in 1542, and his followers returned to Cuba. 

6. During the religious wars in France, admiral Co- 
ligny,-|- the head of the Protestant sect, formed, in 1562, a 

5. Who landed an army on the coast of Florida in 1539 ? What 
did he do ? What did he discover in 1541 ? Where and when did 
lie die ? W^hat became of his followers ? 

6. Who was Coligny ? VViien did lie form a plan for a colony? 
What was ttio state of France at that time ? What was his ob- 
ject in settling a colony ? By whose permission was a company 
sent ? Under whom ? Where did they land ? W^lnt happened the 
next winter? What was their condition while on their return ? 
What became of them at last? Wljat was this the iirst attempt 
to do ? 

* Ferdinand de Soto, a bruve, f^allant and intrepid ofticer. He served un- 
der Pizarro, in the conquest of I'eru, w illi such reputation as to obtain I'roiu 
ihekinfj of Spain the t^overinnent of Cuba. 

t Gaspard dc Coligny, a celebrated admiral of France, was born in 1516. 
He bravely supporteil ilie cause of the Fiench Protestants against the Catho- 
lics headed by the duke of Guise. After gaining several vatohes over the 
opjiosite party, he was basely assassinated by one of the domestics of the duke 
of Guise, in the beginning of the liorrid niasincre of Paris, on the eve of St.. 
Bartholomew's da), 1572. 



1564. DISCOVERIES IN AMEHICA. 29 

plan for settling a colony of his brethren in America, 
where they might be sale from the persecution of the 
Catholics. By permission of Charles IX. two ships were 
sent out under the command of John R-iboult, with a num- 
ber of colonists, to that part of America called Florida.* 
Riboult, having landed his people and built a fort, return- 
ed to France. During the following winter the settlers 
mutined, killed their commander, built and rigged a rude 
vessel, and put to sea for the purpose of returning to their 
native country. Their little stock of provisions soon 
failed, and they were reduced to the dreadful extremity of 
feeding on human flesh. In this destitute condition they 
were taken up by an English vessel and carried to Eng- 
land. This was the first attempt to plant a colony within 
the hmits of the United States. 

7. In 1564, another colony was sent out by Coligny, 
under Laudonnier. He proceeded to the river May, and 
built fort Caroline, from which the coast was afterwards 
called Carolina. Having planted his colony he returned 
to France. The Spaniards, enraged at this intrusion on 
their lands by heretics, sent a large force under Don Pe- 
dro Melendes, to break up the settlement. He took the 
fort and put the settlers to death in the most barbarous 
manner. To secure the country for Spain, he built three 
forts and left them garrisoned by Spanish soldiers. 

8. The French government took no notice of this at- 
trocious act of the Spaniards. An individual, however, 



7. When and under whom did Coligny send out another 
colony ? Where was fort Caroline built ? What was the coast 
afterwards called ? What did the Spaniards do? What did 
Melendes do to secure the country for Spain. 

8. In view of this outrage what did Gourges do? How did 
he treat the Spaniards ? 



* For a long time after the discoveiy of the countiy, the coast from the gfulf 
of Mexico to Pamli'o sound was embraced under the name of Florida. It is 
supposed Riboult left his colony on the banks of the Edisto river, within the 
present limits of South Carolina. 

3* 



30 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1584. 

by the name of Ferdinando Gourges, a soldier of fortune, 
indignant at this outrage, fitted out an expedition at his 
own expense, and sailed for Florida. By a bold assault, he 
took the Spanish forts, and put the garrisons to death.* 
Not being in a situation to keep possession of the coun- 
try, Gourges destroyed the foi'ts and returned to France. 
Neither the French nor Spaniards ever after attempted a 
settlement at that place. 

9. Sir Humphrey Gilbert, an enterprising navigator, 
having obtained a patentf from Ehzabeth, queen of Eng- 
land, in 1583, sailed with five ships to America. He en- 
tered the bay of St. John's, in Newfoundland, where he 
found thirty-six fishing vessels. Here he landed and 
took possession of the country in the name of his sove- 
reign, and made some preparations for establishing a colo- 
ny ; but being in want of provisions, he and his com- 
pany were compelled to return. On their way back,, 
the vessel in which he sailed foundered, and all on board 
perished. 

10. In 1584, Sir Walter Raleigh:]: obtained from Eli- 



9. When did Sir Humplirey Gilbert sail for America ? What 
bay did he enter? What did ho find there? In whose nanrje 
did he take possession of tlje country ? Why was he compelled 
to return ? What became of him and bis company ? 

10. When did Raleigh obtain a patent? Who were sent out 
under this commission ? Where did they land ? How were 
they treated by the natives? What was the country called on 
their return ? In honor of whom ? Sec note. To wliat was^ 
this name afterwards applied ? 



•Melendes hung all the Frenchmen that he c<ip(iiied on trees, with a label 
suspended, " Not Frenchmen, but Heretics." Gourdes, in retaliation, hung all 
the Spaniards that he took, with a label signifying, '• Not men, but devils." 

t Patent, or letters patent, a commission or writing from the sovereign pow- 
er, granting authoritj^ to a person to do some act, or enjoy some right. The 
term is now applied, in the United States, to ceitificates issued from the patent 
ofRce at Washington, which gives to the inventor of any useful machine the 
exclusive advantage of his invention. 

i Sir Walter Raleigh,— Raw-le,— a distinguished warrior, statesman, and 
writer, was born in Devonshire, 1552. He performed eminent services for 
queen Elizabeth, paiticularly in the discovei-y of the country now called Vir- 
giaia, and in the defeat of the Spanish Armada. He lived in greathonor and 



1585. DISCOVERIES IN AMERICA. 31 

zabeth a patent, similar to the one granted to Gilbert. Un- 
der this commission he sent out two ships to America, 
commanded by Amidas and Barlow, to examine the coun- 
try they intended to settle. They landed at Roanoke, 
and spent some weeks in trafficking with the natives, by 
whom they were received with the greatest respect and 
hospitality. On their return, they gave so flattering an 
account of the country, that the queen called it Virginia.* 
This name was afterwards applied to the whole coast. 

11. In 1585, Raleigh sent out a squadron of seven 
ships, carrying 107 persons, and every thing necessary 
to begin a settlement, under Sir Richard Grenville. He 
left them on Roanoke island, under the care of Ralph 
Lane, and returned to England. The settlers, instead 
of cultivating the ground, spent their time in searching 
for mines of gold and silver. On account of their law- 
less conduct, while rambling through the country, many 
were destroyed by the Indians, and others perished with 
hunger. Reduced to great distress for want of pro- 
visions, the survivors were taken to England by Sir 
Francis Drake,f on his return from the West Indies. 
Shortly after their departure. Sir Richard Grenville arri- 



11. When did Raleigh send out another colony ? Where did 
be leave them .■' What did the}' do? What became of manj' of 
them? What of the survivors ? Who arrived shortly alter? 
What did he do ? 



happiness during her reign. But his sun set at her death. On the accession 
of James I. he was much persecuted, and accused of high treason. Though 
reprieved, he remained a prisoner twelve years in the tower of London. He was 
afterwards commissioned to go and explore the gold mines of Guiana ; but 
shortly after his return he was basely condemned on his former sentence of trea- 
son, and beheaded in 1618. He is said to have first introduced potatoes and to- 
bacco into Europe. 

* Virginia signifies the land of a virgin, so called in honor of the virgin or 
unmarried queen Elizabeth. 

I Sir Francis Drake, a distinguished naval hero, was bom in Devonshii*e, 
England, 15-15. He made his name immortal by a voyage into the Pacific 
ocean through the straits of Magellan, and by completing a voyage round the 
globe. He was distinguished for his expeditions and victories over the Span- 
iards. He died, after having I'endered the most eminent services to his coun- 
try by his bravery and skill, in 1597, on board of his own ship in the West 
Indies. 



32 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1602. 

ved with ample supplies of men and provisions. Not 
finding the former colony, he left fiueen of his crew to 
retain possession of the island, and returned to England. 

12. In 1587, Raleigh, not discouraged b}^ his ill suc- 
cess, dispatched three vessels, under the command of 
Capt. White, with 150 men. On their arrival at Roa- 
noke, the little company left by Grenville was not to be 
found. They probably had been killed by the Indians. 
White left 117 persons and returned to England to ob- 
tain further supplies. But in consequence of the war 
then existing between that country and Spam, three years 
elapsed before any supplies were sent to the colony. 
When they arrived no vestige of the settlers remained. 
All had perished. Thus ended the exertions of Raleigh 
to plant a colony in America. 

13. Discouraged by these successive misfortunes, the 
English for some years made no further attempt to plant 
a colony in the new world. In 1602, Bartholomew Gos- 
nold made a voyage, discovered and named Cape Cod,* 
landed on the coast, and visited the adjacent islands. Af- 
ter trading some time with the Indians, he returned and 
gave so favorable an account of the country, that a more 
extensive plan of colonization was devised than had be- 
fore been attempted. 

14. By the influence of Richard Hakluyt, famous for his 

12. What was done in 1587? What probably became of 
those left by Grenville? What did White do? How long be- 
fore supplies were sent to the colony? What had become of 
the settlers in the meantime. 

13. How were the English affected by these misfortunes? 
When did Gosnold make a voyage ? What did he discover ?' 
On his return what took place ? 

14. By whose influence was an association formed ? For 
what purpose? How did king James divide America ? What 
two companies did he establish ? To which was North Virginia 
granted ? To which South ? 

• When Gosnold an-i ved near this cape, in I6O3, he caught a great quantity 
cf cod, and from this circumstance he named it Cape Cod. 



1008. DISCOVERIES IN AMERICA. 33 

naval skill, an association of gentlemen was formed for 
the purpose of establishing colonies in America. Upon 
their application to King James, he divided the country 
into two districts, called No?'th and South Virginia. He 
established two companies, likewise, for the purpose of 
making settlements, called the London and Plymouth 
companies. South Virginia was granted to the London 
company, and North Virginia to the Plymouth company. 
15. In 1603, Henry IV, king of France, granted to 
De Monts the sole jurisdiction of the country called Aca- 
dia, extending from the fortieth to the forty-sixth degree 
of north latitude, or from Delaware bay to the gulf of St. 
Lawrence. Under this grant a settlement was com- 
menced in 1604, at a place called Port Royal, in Nova 
I Scotia, and in 1608, Samuel Champlain laid the founda- 
I tion of Quebec. These possessions of the French pro- 
i ved the source of innumerable calamities to the Enghsh 
colonies, until the peace of 1763 between France and 
England. 



15. When did the king of France grant Acadi.*! to De Monts? 
Wlien and where was a settlement made? When was Quebec 
founded ? How did these French possessions affect the Eng- 
jish colonies? 



HISTORY OF THE UI¥ITEI> STATES, 



SITUATION OF AMERICA IN A. D. IGO: 



FERI©B II. 

Comprises the events that occurred from the settlement of 
Jamestown, 1607, to the Declaration of Independence, 
1776. 

1. Soon after the London company had obtained their 
charter, they sent three ships to America, under the 

What events are comprised in perinrl second ? What was the 
situation of the country in 1G07 ? What is represented by the 
cut? 

1. What is said of the London company? For what place 
did they sail ? When and where was the lirst English settle- 
ment made ? What was it called ? 



1607. SETTLEMENT OF VIRGINIA. 35 

command of Capt. Newport, with one hundred and five 
persons, and every thing necessary for estabhshing a col- 
ony. They sailed for Roanoke, but were fortunatelv 
driven by a storm into Chesapeake bay. They were so 
much pleased with the surrounding country, that they de- 
terminied to settle on the river Powhattan, now called 
James river. On the 13th of May, 1607, they landed and 
began a settlement, and in honor of their sovereign call- 
ed it Jamestown.* This was the first permanent Enghsh 
settlement in America. 

2. The colonists soon began to experience various ca- 
lamities, many of which they had not anticipated. Dis- 
putes and jealousies arose among their rulers. f They 
sufTered much from want of provisions, disease, and the 
hostility of the Indians. In less than four months from 
the time of their landing, fifty of their number had per- 
ished. Discouraged by these afflictions they were anx- 
ious to return to England. 

3. In this state of despondency, one of their number, 
named John Smith, J a very extraordinary man, undertook 

2. What did the colonists soon experience ? What arose 
among their lulers? From what causes did they suffer? How 
50on had fifty of their number perished ? 

3. Can you give some account of John Smith ? See note. 
What did he do for the colony ? 



• Jamestown, on James river, tliirty-two miles above its mouth. It is now 
In ruins, and almost tlHsolatf. Two or three old liouse^. the ruins ol" an old 
steeple.a chmch \ard, and f;;int marks of the rude fortifications, are the only 
memorials of its former importance. 

t The government of the colony was formed in England before it sail- 
ed. It was to consist of a president and a council of seven persons. The 
names of these persons, and liie code of law s for the govtrnment of the colony, 
werecai-efully concealed in a box, and given to Capt. Newport, at the time of 
mailing, with orders not to open it until twenty-four houi-s after landing. It 
was opened on the llth of May, and found to contain the names of Bariholo- 
mevr Gosnold, John Smith, Kdward Wingfield, Christopher Newport, John 
natclitFe, John Martin, and George Kendall. Mr. Wingfield was chosen presi- 
dent, but was soon after deposed for misconduct, and John Ratcliffe chosen in 
his place. 

t Capt. John Smith, the father of Virginia, was born at Willoughby, in Lin- 
colnshire, England, in 1579. From his earliest youth he displayed a loving dis- 
position, and was delighted with bold and adventurous feats among his comw 
panions. At the age of thirteen he was apprenticed to a merchant, but quit 
his master in his fifteenth year, and traveled through France, Netherlands, 



36 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1607. 

to manage the affairs of the colony. He established or- 
der among them, built comfortable houses for them to hve 
in, fortified their little settlement, procured provisions of 

Egfj'pt, and Germany. He afterwards entered into the service of the emperor 
of Austria against the Turks. By his skill, bravery, and exploits, he obtained 
the comniaiid of 250 horsemen. At the siege of Rtgal, the lurks sent a chal- 
lenge to the AustriaiiSjStatinn, that the lord Turbisha, for the diversion of the 
ladies of the place, would fight any single captain of the christian troops. 
Smith accepted it,— and meeting his antagotnst on horseback, in view of 
the ladies on the battlements, killed him and bore away his head in triumpii 
to his general. Crualgo, a friend of Turbisha, upon this, sent a particular 
challenge to Smith. He at once accepted it. They met and Smith was again 
victor ; he bore off his head in tiiumph. Smith now sent a message into the 
town, informing the ladies that if they wished tor more sport of a similar kind, 
they nuist procure anoilier champion. Bonamalgro soon jippeared, and after- 
a short but severe contest, in which Smith nearly lost his life, he slew the huge 
Turk and added his head to the number of the others. He was afterwards ta- 
ken pdsoner by the Turks ; but by killing his master, he escaped into Russia, 
and returned to England. He joined the expedition fitted out by the Lon- 
don company, to make a settlement in America, and was named as one of the 
council of the colony. On their passage to America, disputes arose among the 
emigrants, and by his superior talents Smith excited the envy of the principal 
persons on board, and he was unjustly confined and kept a close prisoner du- 
ring the rest of the voyage. After the planting of the colony at Jamestown, he 
was released from confinement, but excluded from the council. He was after- 
wards tried and honorably acquitted of all the charges brought against him, 
and admitted to his seat as a member of the council. After the election of 
Katclitt'e, the whole weight of the administration devolved on Smith, and all 
would have perished with hunger, but for his exertions in procuring corn of 
the Indians. This he obtained sometimes by purchase, sometimes by caresses,, 
and often by stratagem and force. Unable to procure corn on a certain occa- 
sion, he seized the Indian idol Okee, made of skins stuffed witli moss; for the 
redemption of which as much corn \xas brought him as he demanded. He of- 
ten made long excursions into the wilderness for the purpose of exploring the 
country and procuring com of the natives. In one of these, attended only by 
an Indian guide, he was suddenly surrounded by a numerous body of savages, 
and after a brave defense, was taken prisoner. His exulting captors conduct- 
ed him in triumph to Powhattan, the principal chieftain of Virginia. After 
many ceremonies and consultations, they decided to put him to death. They 
looked upon him as a man whose courage and abilities were particularly dan- 
gerous to the safety of the Indians. He was accordingly led forth to execution. 
His head was placed upon a stone, and a war-club presented to Powhattan, who 
claimed the honor of being his executioner. As the chief raised the club to 
give the tatal blow, Pocahontas, his favorite daughter, rushed through the 
crowd, and clasped the head of Smith in her arms, laid her own upon it, and. 
entreated her father to spare his life. Powliattan was amazed. He let fall 
the club, and set Smith at liberty, and soon after had himl conducted in safety 
to Jamestown. He was several times chosen president of the council, and by 
his example and severity he rendered tlie colonists exceedingly industrious. 
Several young gentlemen in the colony, indignant that they should be com- 
pelled to work, often gave vent to their feelings in expressions of impatience 
and profaneness. Smith caused the number of their oaths to be noted daily, 
and at night as many cans of water to be poured into the sleeve of each, as he 
had taken oaths during the day. This discipline had so happy an effect, that 
scarcely an oath was heard in a week, and perfectly restored the subjects of it 
to good humor. After many other adventures. Smith died in London, in 1651, 
in the 52d year of his age. For all his services and suft'eringg he never re- 
ceived any recompense. 



1609. SETTLEMENT OF VIRGINIA. 37 

the natives, and inspired all with confidence. Thus the 
settlers were able to subsist until they received assistance 
from England. 

4. In 1608, Capt. Newport arrived with 120 new set- 
tlers and a supply of provisions. This was a source of 
great joy to the little colony. But their prospects were 
soon overcast ; for about this time they discovered in the 
bed of a small river near Jamestown, a shining substance 
which they supposed to be gold-dust. A sort of univer- 
sal phrenzy was excited by this discovery. "Immedi- 
ately," says Smith, " there was no thought, no discourse, 
no hope and no work, but to dig gold, wash gold, refine gold, 
and load gold." Smith used all his influence to convince 
them of their folly ; but to no purpose. A vessel was load- 
ed with this useless commodity and sent to England. On 
its arrival the cargo was examined, and found to be no- 
thing but mud filled with small pieces of shining stone. 

5. In consequence of their neglecting to cultivate the 
ground, the following winter they suffered much from want 
of provisions and from disease. Their store-house was acci- 
dentally burned, and they were reduced to great distress. 
The next year they received a supply of necessaries ; 
and seventy new settlers were added to their number ; 
among whom were several persons of distinction. 

6. In 1609, the London company obtained a new charter 
granting greater powers and privileges than the former. 
They soon after sent out nine ships, with nine hundred emi- 
grants to Virginia. The vessel, on board of which were 
the officers appointed to govern the colony, was unfortu- 



4. Who arrived in 1608? What occurred about this time ? 
What does Smith .say ? What did the people do ? What did 
it prove to be? Is that all gold which shines? 

5. How was the colony affected by this conduct? What hap- 
pened the next year? 

6. What took place in 1609? What did they do soon after? 
What happened to one vessel ? Who were on board ? What 
is said of the others ? What of Smith ? 



38 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1609. 

nately driven by a storm upon the Bermuda Islands.* 
The others arrived safely. Most of the persons who 
came in these were of a vicious character. They at 
first refused to submit to the authority of Smith, and by 
this means threw the colony into great confusion. Smith 
determined, however, that he would be obeyed until the 
arrival of the officers appointed to succeed him. He 
accordingly seized upon the leaders of the sedition, and 
put them in prison. By this means order was again re- 
stored. 

7. About tliis time, the Indians, fearing that the white 
people would become too powerful, concerted a plot to 
destroy them all. Pocahontas"]" heard of it, and resolved 

7. What did the Indians fear? What did they do? How 
was the colony saved ? Can you give some account of the hfe 
and character of Pocahontas ? See note. 



* Bermuda Islands, a cluster of small islands in the Atlantic Ocean. They 
are in number about 400, but most of then* so small and barren, that the) have 
neither inhabitants nor name. 'I hey were fii-st discovered bj- Juan Uermudas, 
a Spaniard, in 1522. The air is so healthy, that sick people from the United 
States frequently go thilher for the recovery of their health. The wiiner is hanl- 
ly perceptible, and the seasons may be said to be perj)etual spring. The inhab- 
itants gather two crops of Indian corn in a year, one in July ajid the other in 
December. These islands lie about 500 nules from Cape Fear, in North Caro- 
lina. Population, 10,000, 

t Pocahontas, daughter of Powhattan, a celebrated Indian warrior,iii Virginia, 
was born about 1595- She discovered the warmest friendship for the English 
who colonized Virginia, and was eminently useful to the settlement. I'he first 
remarkable instance of this attachment was displayed in 1607, in preserving 
the life of Capt. John Smith, as explained in a previous note. From this time 
shefrequently visited the settlements of the whites, to whom she furnished pro- 
visions at times when they were particularly needed. In 1612, Pocahontas in- 
curred the resentment of her father,— probably on account of her attachment 
to the whites,— she left her home, and visited the territories of Jopazows, 
chief of the Potomacs. Capt. Argoll, having sailed up the Potomac river, on a 
trading voyage, prevailed on Jopazows, by the templing offer of a copjjer ket- 
tle, to surrender her to him. He deiaineil and canied her to JamestovMi, pre- 
suming- that Powhattan would do no hurt to the English while they reUiined 
possession of his daughter. But the noble hearted thief felt indignant at 
this treachery of the whites, and refused to listen to any terms of peace till 
Pocahontas was restored. During her detention at Jamestown, Mr. Thomas 
Rolfe, an Englishman of respectable character, became attached to her and of- 
fereil her his hand. It was accepted, and the consent of Powhattan being ob- 
tained, the marriage was solemnized with great pomp, in pi-esenee of the un- 
cle of P«cahontas and her two brothers. This event relieved the colony frouk 
the enmity of Powhattan, and preserved peace between them for many year*. 
In 1616, she embarked with her husband for England. She was received by 
the king and queen w iih the attention due to her rank. Wliile in London she 
received a visit from her former friend, Capt. Smith. Her residence among 



1609. SETTLEMENT OF VIRGINIA. 39 

to save them. Accordingly one dark and stormy night 
she hastened to Jamestown and informed Smith of his 
danger. He immediately took measures to put the colo- 
ny in a state of defense. The Indians, perceiving that 
their design was discovered, gave up the project. 

8. Soon after. Smith received a severe wound, and 
returned to England to procure the aid of a surgeon. 
Tiie most unhappy consequences followed. The Indians 
perceiving the absence of the man they feared, attacked the 
colony with united forces. They cut off all supplies, and 
thus reduced tlio settlers to the greatest extremity. 

9. Such was their wretched condition, that they devour- 
ed the skins of their horses, — the bodies of the Indians 
they had killed, — and at last the flesh of their dead com- 
panions. This period was long remembered by the name 
of " STARVING TIME. " In six months their number was 
reduced from more than five hundred to sixty ; and these 
feeble and dejected. While the colonies were in this sit- 
uation, the persons who had been wrecked on the Bermu- 
das arrived. 

10. All immediately determined to return to England. 
For this purpose they embarked and sailed down the riv- 
er. Fortunately they were met by Lord Delaware, who 
had been appointed governor of Virginia, v/ith supplies of 
men and provisions. He persuaded them to return to 
Jamestown, and by a judicious exercise of authority, he re- 
stored order and contentment, and for several years the 
affairs of the colony continued in a prosperous condition. 

8. What is said of Smith soon after? What was the conse- 
quence? Wlial did the Indians do ? 

y. What was the condition of the colony ? What was this 
period called? How inucli was their number reduced? What 
happened now? 

10. What did they all do? Whom did tlioy meet ? W^hat 
did he do ? 

civilized men was destined, however, to be short. While about to embark 
fi-om Gravesend, with her husband and an infant son, to return to Virginia, 
she died at the age of twenty-two. Her son was educated in Loudon, and 
from him are descended some of tlie most respecUible families in Virginia. 



40 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1619. 

11. In 1611, Lord Delaware, in consequence of ill 
health, returned to England, and was succeeded by Sir 
Thomas Dale. Public authority was now rigidly enforced. 
Hitherto no right of private property in land had been es- 
tablished. The fields that had been cleared were culti- 
vated by the joint labor of the whole, and the produce was 
deposited in public stores, and shared in common. This 
plan of proceeding presented but few inducements to in- 
dustry. The idle and improvident trusted entirely to what 
was distributed from the common stores. 

12. To remedy these evils, Sir Thomas divided a con- 
siderable portion of land into lots of three acres each, 
and granted one of these to each individual, to be his own 
property. The happy effects of this measure were soon 
so manifest, that another assignment of fifty acres to each 
one was made, and the plan of working in a common field 
was entirely abandoned. From this time the colony rap- 
idly increased and improved. In 1616, they began to 
cultivate tobacco, a plant which was first found in that 
soil, and became the great staple of Virginia. 

13. Thus far the affairs of the colony had been man- 
aged by a governor, and council, appointed by the Lon- 
don company, and from 1611, they had been under mar- 
tial law hke a garrison of soldiers. But the people had 
become dissatisfied with this state of things. They long- 
ed to enjoy the rights and privileges to which they had 
been accustomed in their native country. To gratify this 
noble desire of the colonists, governor Yeardly, in 1619, 
called a general assembly, consisting of representatives 
from the several plantations or boroughs. It met at 

11. What took place in ICll ? What is said with regard to pri- 
vate property ? The effect of this plan ? 

12. What was done to remedy these evils? The effect of this 
measure? Tobacco — when first cultivated ? Where found ? 

13. How had the colony been governed thus far? How from 
1611? Were the people satisfied? What was done in 1619? 
What met this year? Where ? What is the object of such an 
assembly? A. To make laws, and regulate all civil affairs. 



1022. SETTLEMENT OF VIRGINIA. 41 

Jamestown, on the 19th of June, and was the first legis- 
lative assembly ever held in America. 

14. The colony hitherto consisted almost entirely of 
men, who came for the purpose of acquiring wealth, and 
who intended again to return to England. But in order 
to attach them more to the soil, and to induce them to re- 
gard this as their home — the abode of their posterity, — in 
1620, the company sent over ninety girls, to be disposed of 
among the young planters, for wives. At first, the price 
of a wife was one hundred pounds of tobacco, but the de- 
mand for them increased so much, that it soon rose to one 
hundred and sLxty pounds. 

15. The same year, a Dutch vessel arrived at James- 
town with twenty Africans, and oflTered them for sale as 
slaves. They were purchased by the people. These 
were the first slaves brought into the country, and thus was 
laid the foundation for that system of slavery which now 
exists in the United States. Emigrants continued to ar- 
rive from England, and the settlements were widely ex- 
tended. The colony was now advancing on the full tide 
of prosperity. But it was destined soon to experience a 
sudden and dreadful reverse of fortune. 

16. The Indians, though apparently friendl}^, secretly 
formed a plan for the total destruction of the English. 
On the 22d of May, 1622, the savages burst forth upon 
the settlements, and murdered the whites without distinc- 
tion of age or sex. The whole colony would have been 
cut off, had not a friendly Indian given notice of the plot, 
in time to put Jamestown, and a few neighboring settle- 
ments, on their guard. 

17. The English were roused to vengeance by this hor- 

14. What was true of the colony hitherto ? What was done to 
attach the men to the soil ? The price of a wife ? 

15. When were slaves first introduced ? What was thus laid ? 
What do you understand by slavery.? The condition of the colo- 
ny at that lime ? 

16. What is said of the Indians.? What did they do .' How 
were some of the settlements saved ? 

17. What did the English do ? How was the colony affected 
by this calamity ? 4* 



42 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1652. 

rid scene. They attacked the Indians with fire and 
sword, — burnt their wigwams, — pursued them from forest 
to forest, — killed multitudes of them, and drove the re- 
mainder far into the wilderness. By means of this dread- 
ful calamity, the settlements of the colony were reduced 
from 80 to 8, — and in 1624, out of 9000 persons who had 
been sent from England, only 1800 were hving. 

18. These misfortunes and difficulties induced king 
James, in 1624, to dissolve the London company, and 
take the government of the colony into his own hands. 
He appointed a governor and twelve counselors, to whom 
all authority was committed. This arbitrary act was fol- 
lowed by others equally oppressive. The colonists sub- 
mitted to these tyrannical measures until 1636, when they 
had become so disgusted with the haughty and arbitrary 
conduct of Sir John Harvey, their governor, that they 
seized him and sent him prisoner to England. King 
Charles was so much displeased with this act of the col- 
onists, that he sent Harvey back, with full power to gov- 
ern as before. 

19. In 1639, however. Sir William Berkley, a man dis- 
tinguished for the mildness of liis temper and gentleness 
of his manners, was appointed to succeed Harvey in the 
government of the colony, with instructions to restore the 
general assembly. This gave great satisfaction to the 
people ; and under his wise and judicious administration, 
they enjoyed many years of peace and prosperity. 

20. In 1652, Cromwell, who was then at the head of 
government in England, sent a strong force to compel the 
governor of Virginia to acknowledge his authority. Af- 

18. What was done in 1624 ? To whom was all authority com- 
mitted ? How long did the colonists submit ? What did they then 
do ? What did king Charles do? 

19. What was done in 1639 ? Character of Berkley ? What 
was restored ? How did this affect the people ? 

20. Give some account of Cromwell. See JVote. What did 
he do in 1652 ? Berkley ? What was true for several years ? 
What did the people do .'' 



1652. SETTLEMENT OF VIRGINIA. 43 

tor a brave resistance, Berkley was obliged to submit. 
For several years, governors were appointed by Crom- 
well, and oppressive restrictions were imposed upon the 
colonists. At length, the people renounced the authority 
of their oppressors, and again conferred the office of gov- 
ernor upon Berkley, who was still residing in the colony. 

21. Soon after this event, news arrived that Cromwell* 
was dead, and that Charles II. was on the throne of Eng- 
land. The authority of Berkley was confirmed by the 
king ; but the rights of the people were little regarded. 
Large tracts of land, belonging to the colony, were grant- 
ed to the favorites of Charles. This produced great ex- 
citement in Virginia, and resulted in all the horrors of 
civil war. The opposing party was swayed by the elo- 
quence of a young and ambitious lawyer, by the name of 
Nathaniel Bacon. He was elected general, and arrayed 
himself with 600 armed men against the governor and 
council. 

22. Hostilities continued for several months ; during 
which, Jamestown was reduced to ashes, and the crops in 
the fields were laid waste. Troops, at length, arrived from 
England, who, on the death of Bacon, which occurred 
soon after, put an end to the disturbance, and restored 

21. What news arrived soon after? What is said of Berkley ? 
Of the rights of the people ? What was done ? The effect in 
Virginia ? Who led the opposing party ? What did he do ? 

22. What was the consequence .'' What put an end to the dis- 
turbance .? What was done to the rebels.^ How long did the 
work of death continue .' 

* Oliver Cromwell, one of ilie most powerful characters of any age or nation, 
■was born at Huntingdon, England, in 1599. With the sword in one hand and 
the bible in the other, he raised tiie stormy elements of political and religious 
fanaticism, and ruled them at his will. Brave, cool, and artful, he devised the 
boldest plans with a quickness equalled only by their execution. No obstacle 
deterred him,— and lie was never at a loss for expedients. Calm and resei-ved. 
but full of great projects, he patiently waited for the favorable moment, ana 
failed not to make use of it. After the execution of Charles I. lie assumed the 
title of " Protector of the Commonwealth of England." For several years, lie 
administered the affairs of the nation with great vigor, success and ability. 
He died in 1658. He was admired, feared and calumniated by his contempora- 
ries, but his character has been more truly appreciated by posterity, and he is 
now looked upon as one of those wonderful geniuses that the world has seldom 



44 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1609. 

Berkley to power. Many of the rebels were now tried 
and executed. The work of death continued, till the as- 
sembly mterfered, and enacted laws for the restoration of 
peace and harmony. 

23. The majority of the people of Virginia, were for 
a long time opposed to slavery ; and laws were passed to 
prevent it. But the selfish policy of the kings and pro- 
prietors in England, encouraged the introduction of slaves, 
and the evil could not be resisted by the colonists. Vir- 
ginia, on account of her favorable situation, suffered less 
from Indian warfare than some of her sister colonies. In 
1688, her population had increased to 60,000. Other in- 
teresting events which occurred in Virginia will be re- 
corded m the course of the history. 



NEVv-YORK. 
1. In 1609, Henry Hudson,* an Enghshman, in the 
service of the Dutch East India Company, discovered the 
Hudson river, and ascended it about 160 miles. In con- 

23. What is said of the greater part of the people ? What en- 
couraged slavery? Can you mention any evils resulting from sla- 
very ? Wliat else is said of Virginia ? Population in 1G88 ? 
Where will other events be recorded ? How is the state of Vir- 
ginia bounded ? 

1. When and by vphom was the Hudson river discovered? 
Who laid claim to the territory ? When was the first settlement 
made in New York ? What was it then called ? 

* Henry Hudson, an eminent English navigator. He made two voyages to 
discover a north-east passajre to China, bnt being unsuccessful in 1609, lie went 
over to Holland, and undertook a third voyage undev the patronage of the 
Dutch East India Company. During this voyage he discovered the Hudson 
jiver, and sailed along the coast to the 44° of 5J. latitude. In 1610, he sailed on 
his fourth and last voyage. He discovered the large bay in the northern partof 
America, named after him, Hudson's Bay. Here he spent the winter, and in 
the sprnig, being unable to revictual his ship, with tears in his eyes, he distii- 
buted his little remaining bread to his men, and pi-ei)aretl to letuin. Havinga 
dissatisfied and mutinous crew, in his uneasiness and desjjair, it is said, he used 
some harsh expressions, :ind threatened to set some of them ashore. Upon wliich 
a body of them entered his cabin at ni'j;ht, tied his arms behind him, and put 
him with his son, John Hudson,and7 of the most sickly of thecrew, into a boat, 
and set them adrift. They were never more heard of. A small part uf the crew, 
after enduring incredible hardships, arrived the next year in England. 



1655. SETTLEMENT OF NEW-YORK. 45 

sequence of this discoveiy, the Dutch laid claim to a large 
extent of territory on both sides of this river, and called 
it New-Netherlands. In 1613, several Dutch merchants 
erected a fort where Albany now stands, which they named 
fort Orange. The next year, they built several trading 
houses on the island of Manhattan, now called New- York, 
to which they gave the name of NeiD- Amsterdam. 

2. The English regarded the Dutch as intruders, and 
in the same year. Captain Argal from Virginia, with a fleet 
of three ships, visited these settlements on the Hudson, de- 
manded a surrender of the fort, and claimed the territory, 
as properly constituting a part of Virginia. Their num- 
ber being small, they submitted without resistance. But 
the next year a new governor arrived from Holland, and 
the Dutch renounced the authority of the English, and re- 
tained possession until 1664. They erected a fort on the 
Delaware, and one also at the mouth of the Connecticut, 
and laid claim to all the territory between these rivers. 

3. The Dutch were soon molested by the Indians. In 
1646, a severe battle was fought at a place called Strick- 
land plain, in which the savages were defeated with great 
slaughter. At this time, disputes existed between the 
Dutch and the colonies of New-Haven and Connecticut. 
In 1605, a treaty was made at Hartford, by which the Dutch 
rehnquished their claim to the territory of these colonies, 
except the small part which they then occupied. 

4. In 1655, Stuyvesant, the Dutch governor, with a fleet 
of seven ships, attacked and subdued the Swedes who had 
settled on the west side of the Delaware river. But the 
Dutch soon had to encounter again their old enemy, the 
English. In 1664, Charles II. granted to his brother, the 
duke of York and Albany, all New-England, and the ter- 



2. How did the English regard thf; Dutch ? What did Capt. 
Argal do? How much territory did the Dutch claim? 

3. What took place in 1646? In 1650? 

4. What took place in 1655? In 1664 ? Who commanded the 
fleet sent ajjuinsl the Dutcli ? 



46 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1673* 

ritory then in the possession of the Dutch. A squadron 
soon appeared in New- York harbor, under the command 
of Colonel Nichols. 

5. The English immediately demanded a surrender of 
the town, and promised to secure to the inhabitants the 
rights of life and property. Governor Stuyvesant deter- 
mined to resist ; but at lengtli tlie inhabitants constrained 
him to submit. The English took possession, and in 
honor of the duke, called the town New-York. Soon 
after, fort Orange was taken, and named Albany. Ni- 
chols now assumed the government of the country, and 
under his mild and liberal administration, New. York, in 
1665, was made a city, which is now the grand metropo- 
lis of the western Morld. 

6. In 1673, shortly after war was declared between 
England and Holland, a Dutch fleet arrived at Staten 
Island ; and by the treachery of John Manning, com- 
mander of the fort, was permitted to enter the harbor of 
New- York without resistance. The Dutch immediately 
took possession of the city ; but soon the news of peace 
arrived, and the country was again restored to the Eng- 
lish. The duke of York obtained of his brother Charles I, 
a new title to this province, and appointed Sir Edmund 
Andross governor over all his dominions in America. 
Sir Edmund's administration was distinguished for nothing 
but a course of tyranny. 

7. The people of the colony, at length, became discon- 
tented under the arbitrary regulations imposed upon them ; 
and in 1682, they were first permitted to take part in the 
government. An assembly, consisting of a council of 

5. What demand was made ? Was the town surrendered ? 
What name was given to ihe town of New- Amsterdam ? What 
was fort Orange called ? When was New-York made n city r 

6. State what took place in 1673. What do vou think of John 
Manning's conduct ? What took place soon after ? Who was ap' 
pointed gov«rnor by the duke of York ? For what was his ad- 
ministration distinguished ? 

7. When was tlie first assembly held ? 



1689. SETTLEMENT OF NEW-YORK. 47 

ten, appointed by the duke, and of eighteen representa- 
tives, chosen by the people, met in October and were al- 
lowed to make all the laws of the colony. The laws, 
however, could not be enforced, until approved by the 
duke. 

8. At this time there were five nations of Indians in 
the interior of New- York, who had united together for 
mutual defense. With these nations, the English formed 
an alliance. De la Barre, the governor of Canada, be- 
ing jealous of this union, in 1684, marched with an army 
of 1,700 men, to subdue these Indians. After suffering 
much in their march, the French arrived and encamped 
near them. 

9. In addressing the chiefs of the nation, the governor 
accused them of conspiring with the English against the 
French ; and threatened them with a war of extermina- 
tion. One of the chiefs replied in a spirit so bold and 
independent, that the French made peace with the Indians 
and returned to Canada. A large force was afterwards 
sent against them, but being overpowered by the savages, 
the French were again defeated in their object. Their 
attempts only strengthened the hostility of the Indians. 

10. The duke of York, on the death of his brother, 
Charles I. in 1685, succeeded to the throne of England, 
under the title of James II. The king was a Roman 
Catholic, and e.xerted his power and infiuence in favor of 
promoting that religion in the colony. This was a source 
of alarm to the inhabitants, and excited their vigilance in 
behalf of their rehgion. 

11. In 1689, James was dethroned by William, prince 
of Orange. The people of New- York now conspired 
against their oppressive magistrates. Jacob Leisler dis- 

8. How many nations of Indians were ihere in New-York at 
that time? What took place in 1084? 

[). or wliat did De la iSurre arouse the Indians? What was 
the resuh ? What did the Fren<;h afterwards do ? 

10. What happened in 1685? 

n, 12. What m 1689? Wliai did Jacob Leisler do ? 



48 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1690. 

played so much zeal in the cause, that about 500 militia 
joined him in opposing the government. The chief ma- 
gistrate having left the colony, Leisler, by the favor of his 
party, was immediately made governor. He now ad- 
dressed king William by letter, acknowledging his au- 
thority and professing firm allegiance to his government. 

12. Not long after this, a letter was received from Eng- 
land, conferring the authority of government " upon such 
as might at that time be in power." Leisler now assu- 
med not only the authority but the title of lieutenant go- 
vernor. Many of the former magistrates despising Leis- 
ler, and envious of his power, repaired to Albany and 
raised a party to oppose his authority. Leisler sent Mil- 
borne, his son-in-law and counselor, with an army to en- 
force his authority at Albany. The attempt was success- 
iul. He broke up the party and seized the property of 
their leaders. 

13. In 1690, during the war between England and 
France, the French of Canada conspired with certain 
tribes of Indians, for the destruction of the English set- 
tlements. On the 8th of February, a party attacked and 
destroyed the town of Schenectady. • Unaware of their 
danger, the inhabitants had retired to rest. At 11 o'clock 
the savages entered the town. Every house was soon 
surrounded, and a horrid yell broke the stillness of the 
night. The inhabitants sprang from their beds, found 
their dwellings in flames, and their doors guarded by the 
savage foe. Many, to escape from the fire, rushed forth 
half naked and unarmed, and were immediately cut down 
by the enemy. Women and children perished in the 
flames, or were butchered before their husbands and fa- 
thers who were in the hands of the Indians. 

14. Some escaped ; but naked and exposed to a ter- 

13. What happened in 1690? Describe the attack upon Sche- 
nec-ta-dy ? 

14. How many were killed, taken prisoners, and lost their 
limbs by the cold .'' What led the English to combine their forces 
against Canada.^ What was the result of these expeditions ? 



1691. SETTLEMENT OF NEW-YOKK. 49 

rible storm, many of them perished before they could 
reach Albany, their nearest place of refuge. In this 
cruel assault, sixty were killed, twenty-seven made prison- 
ers, and twenty.five lost their hands and feet by the cold. 
These and other savage cruelties, led the English colo- 
nies to combine their forces against Canada. Sir William 
Phips, with a large fleet, sailed up the St. Lawrence ; 
and an army proceeded from New-York by land, as far 
as Lake Champlain. But owing to some mismanage- 
ment, this expedition entirely failed of success. 

15. In 1691, king William appointed Colonel Henry 
Sloughter governor of New- York. At this time, the co- 
lony needed a magistrate of talents and energy. Slough- 
ter had neither. He was weak and vicious. Leisler dis- 
puted his authority ; but after several vain attempts to 
maintain his own power, he, with Milborne, was taken and 
condemned for high treason. 

16. Sloughter at first refused to execute the sentence 
of the court ; but at a feast, in a fit of intoxication, he 
was induced to sign the death-warrant, and they were ex- 
ecuted. Their estates were afterwards restored to their 
families, and their bodies were taken up by their party 
and buried with great pomp, in the old Dutch church, in 
the city of New- York. 

17. Sloughter died in 1691. He was succeeded the 
next year by Colonel Fletcher. Fletcher desired to pro- 
mote among the Dutch inhabitants the use of the EngHsh 
language, and the interests of the English church. These 
objects he recommended to the attention of the assembly. 
After much difRculty, a bill was passed encouraging edu- 
cation in the colony, and providing for the support of mi- 

15. Who was appointed governor in 1691 ? What was Slough- 
ter's cliaracter? What was the conduct of Leisler? What ought 
he to have done ? 

16. How were Leisler and Milborne treated ? Ought they to 
have been executed ? What was afterwards done by their party ? 

17. Who succeeded Sloughter ? What did Fletcher desire to do.'' 

5 



50 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1719. 

iiisters of the gospel, who were to be chosen by the 
people. 

18. In 1698, the earl of Bellamont was made governor 
of the colony. At this time the American seas were in- 
fested with pirates. The earl proposed to send out a na- 
val force against them ; but the assembly rejected the 
proposal. He then fitted out a private vessel, under the 
command of Captain Kidd,* who afterwards became a 
notorious pirate. 

19. Bellamont was succeeded, in 1702, by Lord Corn- 
bury, son of the celebrated earl of Clarendon. In his private 
character, Cornbury was vicious and contemptible ; as a 
magistrate, he was tyrannical and prodigal of the people's 
money. Disgusted with his profligacy, and wearied with 
his oppressions, the people made complaint to queen Anne, 
who was now on the throne of England. Cornbury was 
removed from office, and soon after seized by his credi- 
tors and thrown into prison. 



18. Who was appointed governor in 1698? With what were 
the American seas iiifes'ted ? What did he propose to the assem- 
bly to do ? What did he do ? What is a pirate ? A. A robber on 
the seas. 

19. Who succeeded Bellamont.'* What was the character of 
Lord Cornbury .-• To whom did the people make complaint 
against Cornbury t What was the consequence .'' 



* Cnpt. Kidd was a brave seaman and an able commander. Gov. Bellamont 
being ileternnncd to cit ar tlie Ameiiean seas of pirates, fitted out a vessel, and 
pave the command of it to Kidd. But after he had been cut upon the ocean a 
few days, Kitlil determined to become a pirate himself. He proposed the plan 
to his men, and they consented to it. Accordingly he went forth and attacked 
and destroyed many vessels ui)on the Atlantic and Indian oceans, and became 
one of the must famous pirates that was ever known. Alter three years he re- 
turned, burnt his ship, and went to Boston, f<,olishly imagining that no one 
would know him. As he was walking the streets he was recognized, seized, 
and soon after sent to England, where he was tried for piracy, condemned, and 
executed. A great many stories have been told about Captain Kidd,— how he 
buried pots and dusts of gold along the coast,— and hid vast treasures of silver, 
l^lany weak-minded jjersons have made a ^reat many attempts to find this gold 
and silver, but without success. He and his men found wajs enough to spend 
the money they took, without bui7ing it. If you and I never have more money 
than Kidd buried, we shall have no trouble in taking care of it. 



1732. SETTLEMENT OF NEW-YORK. 51 

20. In 1710, the queen appointed General Hunter gov- 
ernor of the colony. This year many Germans arrived 
and settled in New-York. During Hunter's administra- 
tion, another attempt was made for the subjugation of 
Canada. An army of 4,000 men left Albany and march- 
ed against Montreal. A large fleet proceeded up the 
St. Lawrence, but meeting with a violent storm, many of 
the ships were dashed upon the rocks and the remainder 
retui-ned to England. When this was made known to 
the army, the troops were disheartened, and the enter- 
prise was abandoned. 

21. In 1719, Hunter left the colony in a state of per- 
fect harmony and returned to Europe. His office was 
conferred upon William Burnet, son of the celebrated 
bishop Burnet. At this time the French w^ere erecting 
forts along the lakes and rivers, from Canada to the gulf 
of Mexico. Their policy in this, was to cut off the fur- 
trade of the English, and secure it all to themselves. 
Burnet endeavored to defeat their object, by building a 
fort at Oswego. He watched all the movements of the 
Indians, and sought to prevent their union with the 
French. 

22. After Burnet, the government of the colony de- 
volved successively upon Colonel Montgomery, Rip Van 
Dam, and William Crosby. The latter arrived at New- 
York in 1732. During his administration a prosecution 
was commenced, through his influence, against the editor 
of a newspaper, for publishing an offensive article. Af- 
ter a noble defense, by Andrew Hamilton, the editor was 
acquitted, and Hamilton was greatly applauded by the 
citizens, who desired the entire hberty of the press. 

20. Whom did queen Anne appoint in 1710 ? What was the 
, result of the expedition to Canada, during Hunter's administra- 
tion f 

21. When and in what state did Hunter leave the colony ? 
Who succeeded him .' 

22. Upon whom did the government devolve after Burnet i* 
What took place during Crosby's administration ? 



52 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1743. 

23. After the death of Crosby, in 1736, George 
Clark was appointed Heutenant governor. For many 
years, a severe contest had existed between the gov- 
ernor and the house of representatives. The govern, 
or wished to have the control of the public money, and 
make such appropriations as he saw fit. On the other 
hand, the house contended that no money should be ex- 
pended for any object which they did not approve. Du- 
ring Clark's administration the contest was maintained, on 
both sides, with a good deal of spirit, but the representa- 
tives prevailed. 

24. At this time there were many negroes in the city 
of New- York. Fires occurred frequently ; and suspi- 
cion was excited against the negroes. Some of them 
were detected in setting fire to buildings. It was now 
reported, that they had formed a plot to burn the city, and 
intended to appoint a governor from their own number. 

25. The people were terrified. About thirty negroes 
were seized and put to death. Two white men were tried 
and executed. When the alarm was over, the people be- 
gan to reflect upon the character of the witnesses and 
their testimony. None of them were respectable ; and 
the evidence of a plot had all vanished. Terror and pre- 
judice, had led these magistrates to a course of manifest 
cruelty and injustice. 

26. In 1743, George Clinton, a man of eminent 
talents, was appointed governor. He soon secured the 
love and confidence of the people, and united their ener- 

23. Who succeeded Crosby ? What contest had existed? What 
was the result? 

24. What ofcurred frequently in New- York at that time ? Who 
were detected in setting: fire to buildings? What was reported? 

25. How many negroes were taken and put to death ? Do 
you think they were justly put to death ? Wiiy ? 

26. Who was appointed governor in 1743? What was pro- 
jected during Clinton's administration ? Why ? How many 
years since the Hudson river was discovered ? What other 
name is often applied to this river now ? A. North river. How 
many cities and large towns can you mention in the State of 
ISew-York ? How is the State bounded? 



1614. SETTLEMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS. 53 

gies against the French and Indians. The frequent dep- 
redations of the enemy upon the English settlements, led 
to the project of another expedition against Canada. But 
before their plan was carried into operation, peace was 
restored. For several years, New-York continued to 
enjoy uninterrupted prosperity. 



MASSACHUSETTS, 



1. The Plymouth company, soon after its incorpora- 
tion, in 1606, sent out a ship to make discoveries within 
the limits of its grant. This ship was taken by the Span- 
iards. In 1607, they sent out another vessel, with one 
hundred persons, for the purpose of establishing a colony 
at the mouth of the Kennebec river, in Maine. Discour- 
aged by the dreary appearance of the country, fifty-five 
returned in the ship that brought them over. The re- 
mainder suffered so much during the winter, from hunger 
and cold, that they all returned the next year to England, 
in a vessel that came to bring them provisions. The 
company, disappointed and disheartened, for several 
years, made no further attempts to effect a settlement. 

2. In 1614, Capt. John Smith, in the service of the 
Plymouth company, explored the coast from Penobscot 
river to Cape Cod. He drew a map of his discoveries, 
and on his return presented it to prince Charles, who was 
so much pleased with Smith's glowing descriptions of the 
country, that he gave it the name of New-England. In 
1615, Smith attempted to plant a colony on this part of 
the coast, but was unsuccessful; and all subsequent at. 
tempts to form a settlement failed, until the arduous bu. 

1. What two companies were incorporated in 1606? What 
did the Plymouth Company do the same year? Wlieie did 
they attempt to form a seulement? What was the results 

2. What was done in 1614 ? W^as this the same Capt. Smith 
that acted so conspicuous a part in the settlement of Virginia,? 
Ji. It was. By whom was New-England named." 



54 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1620. 

siness was undertaken by men who were influenced by 
higher motives than the love of gain or of perilous ad- 
venture. 

3. The first settlers of New-England were called Pu- 
ritans,* in derision. of their pecuhar opinions in matters of 




LANDING OF THE PILGRIMS. 



3. Who commenccfl the first permanent settlement in New- 
England ? What can you tell me respecting the Pnritang ? 
When and where did they commence their settlement ? In 
what direction from us is Plymouth? How n)any years since 
Plymoutii was settled ? 

* Intheivij^n of Elizabeth, queen of England, the Protestants, or those oppo- 
sed to the Hoin^n Catholics, were divided into two j);iiti< s. One |)arty werein 
fax or of adherinc^ to thelitiire;y, the firm of worship that had been established 
in tlie time of Kdward VI. I'iiis was muc'i the most numerous party, 'llie oth- 
er party wished to introduce a simpler, and, as they considered it, a purer form 
of worshij) and cluuvh f^overnment. I'hese last, by way of derision, were 
called Puritans. The name was also apj)lied, afterwards, to all who were re- 
markably strict in their morals or severe in tlicir manners. During the whole 
reij^n of Elizal)eth, they weie treated with g'reat riq;or and cruelty ; and in the 
reign of James I. they were so much persecuted and oppressed, that preat 
nuiubers of them left the kingrdom in ifiOOjand retired to Holland. After re- 
siding there sr-veral years, they resolved to leave the country and seek an asy- 
lum in the wilderness of Anieiica, where they might woiship God agreeably to 
the dictates cf their own consciences. In lii20, many of them passed over to 
England, and on the 5th of August set sail for Arneiica, in the ship called the 
May-Flower. They arrived at Cape Cod, Nov. 9th, as stated above. 



1628. SETTLEMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS. 55 

religion. To escape from persecution they left the land 
of their fathers, and after a long and stormy voyage arri- 
ved at Cape Cod, Nov. 9th, 1620. After exploring the 
country for several weeks, they fixed upon a spot which 
they called Plymouth, and there commenced, on the 22d 
of December, 1620, the first permanent settlement in 
New-England. 

4. Tliis colony, consisting of 101 persons, landed amid 
all the perils and privations of a barren shore, in the heart 
of winter. At this gloomy season they began to erect 
their buildings to shelter their wives and their httle ones 
from the piercing cold. Feeling the need of some form 
of civil government afnong themselves, forty-one of their 
number, before they landed, solemnly adopted a constitu- 
tion, and elected John Carver first governor of the col- 
ony. 

5. At first the colony was not molested by the Indians. 
Massasoit, the great sachem or chief of the country, was 
induced, after much hesitation, to enter the village, and 
after eating and drinking with the governor, made a treaty 
of friendship with the English, which was faithfully ob- 
served for more than fifty years. 

6. The long voyage of the colonists, the severity of 
the winter, and their numerous privations, brought disease 
and death among them, which carried off nearly half of 
their number before the return of spring. But the spirit 
of persecution in England, induced many others to quit 
their homes, and join the infant colony. In the year 1628, 
John Endicott, with about three hundred others, was sent 
over to prepare the way for another colony. They be- 

4. What did the first settlers do before they landed? 

5. What Indian chief formed a treaty with the people of Ply- 
mouth ? How long was this treaty observed f Of what tribe 
was Massasoit the chief. ■^ A Of the PocarioketSjOr Wampanoags. 

G. Of liow many persons did the colony consist? How many 
of these died during the winter? Who arrived in 1G28 ? Where 
did tliey commence a settlement? What was this colony called? 



56 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1630, 

gan a settlement which they called Salem. This colony 
received the name of Massachusetts, so called from an 
Indian tribe of this name, in that vicinity. 

7. The next year their colony was incorporated, under 
the title of the " Governor and Company of Massachusetts 
Bay in New-England." This circumstance greatly in- 
creased the spirit of emigration. In 1630, about fifteen 
hundred people arrived at the colonies. Among them 
came Governor Winthrop, with other officers, and many 
gentlemen of wealth and distinction, who brought over 
the charter of the colony. They founded the town of 
Boston. Among the towns earliest settled in this vicini- 
ty, were Charlestown, Dorchester, *Watertown, Roxbury, 
Medford, and Cambridge. 

8. Boston soon became the chief town in the colony, 
and the first general court of Massachusetts was held 
there, on the 19th of October, 1630. The settlers now 
endured great hardships from hunger and cold ; and 
great numbers died the first winter. They had few or 
no accommodations. Their place of public worship was 
under a large tree. For several years following, the 
colony rapidly increased, and the settlements were greatly 
multiplied. The Massachusetts colonists, in wealth and 
education, were superior to the setders of Plymouth ; in 
other respects they were similar. 

9. The colonists of Massachusetts, according to their 

.7. Under what name were tliey incorporated in 1()29.'' When 
was Boston founded ? Wliat towns were settled soon after ? 

8. When and where was the first general court of Massachu- 
setts held? How did the colonists of Massachusetts compare 
with those of Plymouth '' Were the colonists of Massachusetts 
puritans? .4. They were. When the colony was first settled, 
did all the people assemble to make laws ? How many times in 
a year? Do all the people of this State meet together to make 
laws? 

9. When was the power of making laws transferred from the 
whole body of the people to representatives? What distinguish- 
ed man was banished from the colony ? 



1635. SETTLEMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS. 57 

charter, were to assemble four times a year for the elec- 
tion of officers, and for the enactment of laws. But in 
1634, it being inconvenient for them all to assemble, it 
was agreed, by general consent, that the power of making 
laws should be transferred to a representative body, 
composed of delegates sent from each of the plantations. 
In the same year Roger Williams,* the minister of Sa- 
lem, having advanced opinions which gave offense, v/as 
bonished from the colony. In 1636, he ibunded the 
town of Providence, in Rhode Island. 

10. In 1635, a large number of emigrants arrived in 
Massachusetts, among whom was Henry Vane.f By 
Ms engaging deportment, he won the hearts of the peo- 
ple, and the year following was made governor of the 
colony. But his popularity was of short continuance. 

11. About this time Ann Hutchinson,:}: a woman of 
considerable talent, but of more enthusiasm, inculcated 
opinions which involved the whole colony in contentions. 
She soon gained great influence, and was supported by 
Mr. Cotton of Boston, Governor Vane, and others of 
the first respectability. But at the next election, Win- 
throp instead of Vane was chosen governor. Vane be- 
ing disappointed returned to England, and afterwards be- 
came distinguished in the civil wars of that country. 



10. Who arrived in 1635? What can you relate of Henry 
Vane ? 

11. What can you say of Ann Hutchinson ? 

* Roger Williams,— see Rhode Island. 

t Sir Henry Vane was born in 1612. He early exhibited talents of the first 
order ; but was of an uneasy, restless, and enthusiastic tuni of mind. After his 
return from America, he took an active part in the civil wars of England, and 
was unjustly beheaded in I6G2. He possessed almost all the knowledge of that 
age, and as a politician and statesman he had but few equals. 

i Ann Hutchuison, a i-eligious enthusiast. She arrived from England in 1636. 
Soon after her arrival she instituted meetings for women, in which she pre- 
tended to enjoy iinmtdiate revelations from heaven. She inculcated many er- 
roneous sentiments, and soon threw the whole colony into a Hame. She was ban- 
ished, and removed to a Dutch settlement in New-York, where, in 1643, slie 
and her family, consisting of fifteen pei-sons, were taken and killed by the 
Indians. 



58 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1687. 

12. The settlements in Massachusetts were now so 
highly esteemed in England, that many distinguished per- 
sons, desiring to enjoy a greater degree of civil and re- 
ligious liberty, determined to leave their native shores. 
Among them was Oliver Cromwell, who, when about to 
sail, was expressly detained by order of king Charles I. 

13. The Indians, now feeling that the wliites or them- 
selves must soon be exterminated, began to show their 
hostility. At this time, the Pequots and the Narragan- 
sets, two powerful and warlike tribes, were living within 
the hmits of Comiecticut and Rhode Island. Between 
these two tribes there existed the greatest enmity. The 
Pequots proposed that all animosities should now be laid 
aside, and their forces united against the whites. But the 
Narragansets, instead of agreeing to this proposal, made 
a treaty of friendship with the English, and heartily join- 
ed with them in a war against the Pequot tribe. 

14. In 1637, the colonies of Massachusetts, Plymouth, 
and Connecticut, sensible of their danger, combined their 
forces for the utter extermination of these savage enemies. 
Captain Mason, with about ninety whites and three hun- 
dred friendly Indians, was sent out against them. He at- 
tacked one of their largest villages, and after a severe 
contest took their fort, set fire to their wigwams, sur- 
rounded the town, and shot many of the Indians in their 
attempts to escape. Of the Indians about five hundred 
w^ere killed, but only two of the English. 

15. Soon after a decisive battle was fought in a swamp 
near New-Haven, where the whole tribe had assembled. 

12. What distinguished man was prevented from coming to 
Massacliusettsf 

13. How did some of the Indian tribes begin to feel respect- 
ing the whites .'' What did the Pequots propose to the Narragan- 
sets P Was this a wise proposition.'' What did the ISiarragan- 
sets do .-' 

14. What did the colonies of Massachusetts, Plymouth, and 
Connecticut do in 1637.'' 

15. What was the result of the war? 



1643. SETTLEMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS. 59 

The swamp was surrounded by the whites, who after a 
hot battle, gained a complete victory. Many of the Pe- 
quots were killed, many were taken prisoners, and the 
remainder of the tribe fled westward and joined the Mo- 
hawks. This battle terminated the war. The English 
were not again molested by the Indians for nearly forty 
years. 

16. It was now ten years since the first settlement of 
Salem. About 21,000 persons had ah-eady arrived in 
Massachusetts. But a change had taken place in Eng- 
land. The arm of persecution was broken. The Pu- 
ritans had gained the ascendancy, and many leaving the 
colonies returned to England. Noth withstanding this 
check to the spirit of emigration, the colonies continued 
to increase with amazing rapidity in wealth and impor- 
tance. 

17. In 1638, Harvard University was founded at Cam- 
bridge, and the next year the first printing press in Ameri- 
ca was there estabhshed. The first things printed were 
the freeman's oath, an almanac, and a new version of the 
Psalms. The means of mental and moral improvement 
were already considered of the first importance. 

18. In 1643, the colonies of Plymouth, Massachusetts, 
Connecticut and New- Haven, joined in a confederacy for 
mutual advice and protection. They were leagued under 
the title of " TJie United Colonies of Neiv-England." 
Commissioners met twice a year alternately at Hartford, 
New-Haven, Plymouth, and Boston, to provide for the in- 
terests of the confederated colonies. They were thus uni- 

16. How many persons arrived in the Massachusetts colony 
during the first ten years of its settlement? What cause put a 
stop to emigration r 

17. When was Harvard College founded.'' W^hen was the 
first printing done in America.'' What were the first things 
printed.'' How many years since? How long after the settle- 
ment of Plymouth was Harvard College founded.'' Where is 
Cambridge.'' .4. Three miles N. W. of Boston. 

18. What took place in 1643.'' How long united ? 



60 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1656. 

ted for more than forty years. Rhode Island desired to 
join the confederacy, but Plymouth would not give her 
consent. 

19. In 1641, the people of New-Hampshire placed 
themselves under the jurisdiction of Massachusetts. And 
in 1652, the province of Maine also came under her pro- 
tection. This province was first granted to Sir Ferdinand 
Gorges, in 1634. He established a government over it, 
which in 1649 had lost its authority ; and as Massachu- 
setts claimed the province, as being comprised under her 
charter, the inhabitants submitted to her jurisdiction. 

20. We have seen that persecution was the grand fault 
of that age. The puritans themselves had been driven 
from home, on account of their religious pecuharities ; yet 
we soon find them cruelly persecuting others who differ- 
ed from them in matters of religion. About the year 
1650, three Baptists came into Massachusetts from Rhode 
Island, and having assembled one sabbath morning to wor- 
ship, they were taken by the public officers and carried to 
the congregational church, and there kept till the close of 
service. Soon after this they were tried, and sentenced 
to pay a heavy fine or be publicly whipped. Mr. Holmes, 
one of the three, refusing to pay the fine, was punished 
according to the sentence. The friends of one paid his 
fine, and the other was released. 

21. In 1656, a number of Quakers arrived in Massa- 
chusetts. Their sentiments, not agreeing with those of 
the puritans, excited a spirit of persecution, and a law was 
passed banishing all Quakers from the colony ; and im- 
posing the penalty of death upon any who should return 



19. What took place in 1(?41 ? In 1652? To whom was the 
province of Maine first granted '' 

20. What was the grand fault of that age ? What took place 
about 1650 .'' 

21. What in 1656 ? What law was passed.' How many were 
executed .'' Do you think the puritans acted wisely in persecuting 
those who differed from them in their religous opinions .' 



1663. SETTLEMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS. 61 

after banishment. Four persons who had been banished, 
returned, and were condemned and executed. They died 
in triumph, rejoicing in the opportunity they had of evincing 
the sincerity of their faith. 

22. These cruel measures excited the pity of the peo- 
ple, led some to defend the cause of the Quakers, and 
finally to embrace their sentiments. The puritans at 
length discovered their error, and repealed their cruel laws. 
In this age of bigotry, the wisest of men had not discov- 
ered, that ALL MEN HAVE A RIGHT TO WORSHIP GOD AS 
THEY PLEASE. 

23. Soon after Charles the second was recalled from 
exile and placed upon the throne of England, GofFe and 
Whalley, two of the judges who had condemned Charles 
I. to be beheaded, arrived in Massachusetts. Their tal- 
ents and virtues secured to them the respect of aU ; and 
their republican sentiments gave them favor with the lov- 
ers of liberty. Various attempts were made by king 
Charles to arrest these men, but in vain. They lived in 
seclusion, and died in peace, at a good old age. Their 
monuments may now be seen in New-Haven. 

24. The government of England, now began to look 
with jealousy upon the growing spirit of republicanism in 
the colonies. In 1663, laws were passed which confined 
all the trade of commerce, between Europe and the col- 
onies, to Enghsh vessels. Against these restrictions, the 
colonists made frequent complaints, but without effect. In 

1664, the Idng sent over four commissioners to examine 
into the state of the colonies. They exercised their au- 
thority in Plymouth and Rhode Island ; but their decisions 
were little regarded. 



22. What effect did these persecutions have on the people ? 

23. What distinguished individuals arrived in New-England 
about tliis time.'' What can you say of them ? 

24. How did the government of England begin to regard the 
colonies ? What was done in 1663 .'' In 1664 .'' Were did these 
commissioners exercise tlieir authority .'' 

6 



62 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1664. 

25. In Massachusetts, their authority was promptly re- 
jected. In New Hampshire, they attempted to excite the 
people against the jurisdiction of Massachusetts. But 
their counsel was not regarded. They made the same 
attempts in Maine. In Connecticut, the commissioners 
were received with respect and compliance. For these 
marks of her loyalty, she afterwards received the appro- 
bation of the British government. The laws restricting 
navigation, and the authority assumed by these commission- 
ers from the king, may be considered as the commence- 
ment of those aggressions upon the rights of the colonists, 
which led on to the revolution. 

26. Fifty years had now passed since the whites first 
landed at Plymouth. About 120,000 Europeans peopled 
the shores. At first they regarded the English as their 
friends, and sold to them their extensive lands without fear 
or suspicion. But now, seeing their own number daily di- 
minishing, and the whites daily increasing, they began to 
apprehend their own entire extermination. 

27. Their patriotism and love of life, now roused all 
these savage tribes to one mighty effort. They were ready 
to unite and strike the last fatal blow against the whites. 
Philip, the sachem of the Wampanoags, was eminently 
qualified to concert their plans, and combine their ener- 
gies, for this great undertaking. Fired with hatred and 
revenge, he persuaded all the Indian tribes in New-Eng- 



25. What may these laws, and the acts of the commissioners 
be considered as? 

26. If the Indians could have foreseen what effect the settle- 
ment of the whites would have had on them and the country, 
how do you suppose they would have received them at first? 
How did the Indians regard the English at first? Did they adopt 
the arts of civilized life? Why not? Have the Indians always 
preferred their own savage customs and modes of living, to the 
comforts and blessings of civilized life ? What did they now be- 
gin to fear ? 

27. For what purpose did they now unite ? Who was the 
leader of this grand confederacy ? 



1675. SETTLEMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS. 63 

land to unite in a war of extermination against their white 
invaders. His confederacy could bring into the field 
about 4,000 warriors. 

28. The whites now began to perceive the designs of 
the Indians. Their hostility was daily manifested; and 
in June 1675, they attacked the town of Swanzey, killed 
many of its inhabitants, and plundered and set fire to their 
houses. The troops of the colony soon appeared ; but 
the enemy had fled, setting fire to every building they 
passed, butchering the whites and fixing their heads upon 
poles by the side of the road. The troops pursued, but 
could not overtake them. 

29. The whole country was now roused to arms. 
Philip, perceiving the augmented forces oT the enemy, 
left his post at Mount Hope, and stationed his troops at 
Pocasset, now called Tiverton. Here the English attack- 
ed him ; but were defeated with the loss of sixteen men. 
The Narragansets being now leagued with PhiHp, the 
English marched directly into their country, and forced 
them into a treaty of perpetual peace. This treaty, how- 
ever, was violated as soon as the whites retired. 

30. The colonists now labored under every possible 
disadvantage. Their settlements were surrounded with 
tliick forests. Indians were living promiscuously among 
them, professing to be friendly, but proving to be enemies. 
They were exposed, at every turn, to the shot of their 
foes. The Indians could rush forth from the woods, plun- 
der and destroy a village, butchering the inhabitants, 
young and old, and escape to their ambush, before any 
force could be collected to oppose them. 

31. Watching all the movements of the whites, these 
savages could fall upon them, in the most favorable cir- 

23. When were the first acts of hostility commiUed? 

29. Where was the first battle fought in tliis war ? What did 
the EngUsh do to the T^arragansets '" 

3U, 31. Were the whiles well situated for a war with the In- 
dians .'' Why not.' 



64 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1675. 

cumstances. The war was so general, that the colonists 
could not unite their forces at any one point, without ex- 
posing their towns, their wives, and their children, to im- 
mediate destruction. 

32. The commissioners now perceiving that the In- 
dians had conspired to exterminate the whites, declared 
the war to be just and necessary ; and ordered that 2,000 
men should be raised to oppose the enemy. The Nar- 
ragansets being the nearest and most dangerous tribe, 
the colonists, under the command of Mr. Winslow, gov- 
ernor of Plymouth, marched into their country, and pur- 
sued them through a deep snow, to their strong-hold in 
the midst of a thick swamp. 

33. Their fortress was built on an island, and surround- 
ed by a thick brush-fence a rod wide. It had but one 
narrow entrance, and that well defended. The whites 
determined to force this passage. The Indians fought 
bravely ; but after a bloody contest the whites entered, 
set fire to the fort, consuming about 600 wigwams, their 
old men, women and children. About 230 of the colo- 
nists were killed or wounded ; wliile the loss of the In- 
dians was at least 1,000 slain. 

34. During the winter, the Indians destroyed many 
towns, and massacred great numbers of the defenseless 
whites. In the spring, the people of Connecticut success- 
fully invaded the country of the Narragansets, took their 
chief sachem, and delivered him up to the Mohegans ; 
who, being friendly to the whites, put him to death. 

35. Philip had now collected a band of his scattered 
forces and returned to his old station at Mount Hope. 
About the first of August, Captain Church attacked him, 

32,33. How large a force did the English raise? Under whose 
command were the colonists placed? Describe their attack up- 
on the Narragansets? 

34. What took place during the winter ? What in the spring? 

35. How was Philip aftected at the loss of iiis family? By 
whom was he killed? Why? 



1675. SETTLEMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS. 65 

took his wife and children prisoners ; and killed about 
130 of his men. On this occasion, Philip wept bitterly 
for the loss of his family, and exhibited the noblest feelings 
of human nature. One of his own men proposed to him 
to submit to the whites. Philip instantly shot him dead on 
the spot. A brother of this Indian, enraged at Philip, 
deserted his ranks and joined the colonists. This man, in 
a battle shortly after, shot Philip in revenge of his brother's 
death. Thus fell this noble Indian warrior. Tliis event 
put an end to the war. The Indians now fled, or sued 
for peace. 




DEATH OF PHILIP. 

36. Peace indeed was the ardent desire of all. The 
colonists had suffered every sort of calamity. The sur- 
vivors were all in mourning for the dead. The brave sol- 
dier returned, to find his house burnt down and liis family 
murdered. The loss of life and of property had greatly 
weakened the colonies. By the war they had also incur- 

36. Describe the state of the colonists at the close of Philip's 
war .'' 

6* 



66 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1684. 

red a heavy debt. During all these calamities they had 
never asked any assistance from the mother country. 

37. Soon after the close of this war, the heirs of Gor- 
ges urged against Massachusetts their claims to the territo- 
ry of the province of Maine. To satisfy these claims, Mas- 
sachusetts paid the sum of £1250. In 1680, New-Hamp- 
shire was separated from Massachusetts, and became a 
distinct colony. 

38. The government of England, dissatisfied with the 
state of affairs in the colonies, sent over Edward Randolph 
to secure the enforcement of the obnoxious laws relating 
to commerce. He brou^-ht a messas^e from the kinjr de- 
siring the colonial governments to send agents to England, 
authorized to act with full power in behalf of the colonies. 

39. The people of Massachusetts suspected that the 
design of this movement was to get away their charter, 
and bring the government of the colony under the imme- 
diate control of the king. The agents, therefore, who 
were appointed, were instructed, on no consideration to 
dehver up the charter. 

40. In 1684, the government of England declared the 
charter of Massachusetts to be no longer vahd; and in 1686, 
Sir Edmund Andross was appointed governor of that col- 
ony. Tliis was highly displeasing to the people of Mas- 
sachusetts. They felt that a tyrant was now placed over 
them. The governor immediately imposed restraints up- 
on the press, and broke in upon tlie religious and domes- 
tic regulations of the people. The titles of land, given 
under the old charter, were declared void, and exorbitant 
prices were demanded for securing new ones. 

37. What did the heirs of Gorges do? When did New-Hamp- 
shire become a distinct colony f 

38. For what purpose was Edward Randolph sent over to the 
colonies ? Wliat were the colonial governments requested to do ? 

39. How did the people regard this movement.'' How did 
they instruct their agents .'' 

40. What took place in 1584? Inl68G? How did this af- 
fect the people ? What did Andross do ? 



1692. SETTLEBIENT OF MASSACHUSETTS. 67 

41. Tliese proceedings of the government provoked 
the people to madness ; and they were ready to seize on 
the first favorable opportunity for redress. In 1689, news 
came from England that William, prince of Orange, had 
landed at Torbay and was contending for the crown. 
The people of Massachusetts, inspired with hope of deliv- 
erance, at once flew to arms, arrested and imprisoned 
their oppressors, and restored their former magistrates. 
The next arrival from England, brought word, that the 
prince of Orange had gained possession of the throne, un- 
der the title of Williaxii III. This intelligence was re- 
ceived with great joy throughout New-England. 

42. In 1692, William granted to Massachusetts a new 
charter, which extended her jurisdiction over the provinces 
of Plymouth, Maine and Nova Scotia. By this charter, 
the king reserved to himself the right of appointing the 
governor of the colony. On the 14th of May, Sir Wil- 
liam Phips, the first royal governor, arrived at Boston witli 
the new charter ; which in many respects was not so ac- 
ceptable to the people as the old one. By an express pro- 
vision, the new charter granted entire liberty of conscience 
to all, excepting Roman Catholics. 

43. About this time the colonies were greatly harass- 
ed by the French of Canada, combined with the northern 
and eastern Indians. A fleet was fitted out under the com- 
mand of Sir William Phips, to proceed against Quebec ; 
and land forces were raised to march directly to Montre- 
al. These movements were unsuccessful ; and, instead of 
relieving the colonists, increased their burden of debt. 



41. What effect had these proceedings ? What news arrived 
in 1689 ? What did the people do ? 

42. What did Massachusetts receive from the king in 1692 ? 
Who was the first governor under the new charter .'' 

43. What expedition was undertaken about this time .'' Its 
resuh .'' How did Massachusetts pay oti' her troops on their re- 
turn ^ A. By bills of credit, or paper money. This was the 
beginning of the paper money system. 



68 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1692. 

44. In the midst of these calamities, New-England was 
thrown into panic and distress by the strange delusions of 
witchcraft. A few years before, in England, persons called 
^vdtches were tried, condemned, and put to death in great 
numbers. Many highly respectable men had declared 
their belief that some persons were actually possessed 
with evil spirits. The people of New-England, therefore, 
v/ere prepared to receive, with the utmost credulity, the ab- 
surdities of this imaginary witchcraft. 

45. The evil commenced in Salem. Two little girls 
in the family of Mr. Paris, the minister of that place, were 
taken sick and strangely affected. The physicians could 
not account for their complaints, and declared them be- 
witched. The children ascribed their sufferings to an old 
Indian woman, who hved in the family. Their condition 
was soon reported through the town, and many came to 
see them. Every body's sympathy was excited. The 
old woman, being accused and terrified, partly acknowl- 
edged that she was guilty. 

46. So great was the excitement, that others soon im- 
agined themselves affected in the same way ; and all the 
magistrates being alarmed at the progress of the evil, a 
special court was estabhshed to try those who were accu- 
sed. The sufferers declared that the witches came into 
their rooms through the cracks of the doors and windows, 
or through the keyhole, and tormented them, by pincliing, 
scratching, pricking as with forks, shaking, beating them, 
&;c. Many of the accused were tried, condemned and 
Iiung. 

47. The infatuation had now extended to all classes in 



44. What strange delusion seized upon the minds of tlie peo- 
ple about this time ? Where had it prevailed before ? 

45. Where did it commence in this country? How were the 
sufterers affected ? 

46. What did the magistrates do ? 

47. How many weie put to deatli .' How many imprisoned .' 
How did the delusion end : 



1711. SETTLEMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS. 69 

society. Twenty had been put to death, and more than a 
hundred were in prison, awaiting their trial. At length 
the magistrates, finding that their own families were expo- 
sed to the same accusations, began to suspect that it was 
all a delusion. Those in prison were released. The 
witches soon fled. 

4S. Thus ended the Salem idtclicraft. It is astonish, 
ing to us that our forefathers, with all their learning, should 
have been thus deluded. But we should remember, that 
this was an age of superstition ; that many good men re- 
ally believed in the existence of witches. The same de- 
lusion had prevailed extensively in England and other parts 
of Europe. 

49. The English settlements were still harassed by the 
French and Indians. Peace followed for a few years. 
But war breaking out anew between England and France, 
hostilities at once commenced between their colonies. In 
Februaiy, 1704, the town of Deerfield, Mass. was attack- 
ed in the night, by the Indians and French. The town 
was set on fire, and the inhabitants killed or carried pris- 
oners to Canada. More than twenty, unable to bear the 
fatigue of the journey, were killed by the v/ay ; among 
whom was Mrs. Williams, the wife of the minister of Deer- 
field. For ten years the people of Massachusetts and 
New-Hampsliire endured all the cruelties of an Indian 
war. 

50. In 1711, a large fleet, under the command of ad- 
miral Walker, left England for the purpose of subduing 
Canada. Having entered the river St. Lawrence, and 
disregarding the advice of the American pilots, he was 
driven upon the rocks and many of his ships dashed to 
pieces. The cries of the drowning were heard, through 
the darkness of midnight, but no rehef could be afforded. 

48> What is it now called ? How can you account for this de- 
lusion ? Do you believe in witchcraft ? 

49. What happened in 1704 ? 

50. What in 1711 ? What in 1713? 



70 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1744. 

Before morning, more than 1,000 of their number had 
perished. This dreadful calamity defeated the object of 
the expedition. The remainder of the fleet returned to 
England. The Indians continued their cruel depredations 
upon the colonies till 1713, when peace was concluded 
between England and France. 

51. In 1716, Samuel Shute was appointed governor of 
the colony. During his administration, much contention 
prevailed between him and the house of representatives, 
respecting the governor's salaiy. The house contended 
for the right of rewarding him according to his services, 
wliile the king had ordered the governor to establish a per- 
manent salary. This contest continued for many years, 
and was finally settled by a vote of the house ot* repre- 
sentatives, to grant a definite sum for the pay of the gov- 
ernor. 

52. In 1744, war was again declared between England 
and France. During the time of peace, the French had 
strongly fortified the port of Louisburgh on Cape Breton. 
This port gave French privateers every advantage for ru- 
ining the important fisheries on that coast, and for break- 
ing up the trade of the colonies. A plan was conceived 
by one of the colonists for taking tliis port, and commu- 
nicated to the governor of Massachusetts. Having im- 
posed an oath of secrecy upon the members of the gen- 
eral court, the governor made known the plan to them. 
At first the enterprise was considered as altogether haz- 
ardous and impracticable ; but when made known to the 
people, all hands and hearts were ready for the underta- 
king. 

51. What took place in 1716? What under his administra- 
tion ? In whose possession was Canada at that time ? In what 
direction fromtis is that country? In whose possession is it at 
this time ? 

52. When was war again declared between England and 
France? What is a privateer? jQ. It is a sliip or vessel own- 
ed and fitted out by a private man, or individuals, and commis- 
sioned by government, to seize the ships of an enemy in war? 



1748. SETTLEMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS. 71 

53. An army of more than 4,000 men, under the com- 
mand of William Pepperell, was soon landed on the island ; 
while a fleet under Commodore Warren, blockaded the har- 
bor. A detachment marched round to the northeast part 
of the harbor, in the night, and set fire to the buildings 
containing naval stores, tar, pitch, wine, brandy, &c. The 
flames and smoke pouring into the grand battery, so ter- 
rified the French, that they spiked up their guns, and fled 
to the city. 

54. The next morning the New-England troops took 
possession of the battery. They spent fourteen nights 
up to their knees in mud and water, drawing their cannon 
through a marsh, from the landing to the camp. They 
now turned then* cannon with great effect upon the city. 
The fleet in the harbor captured a French 64 gun sliip 
laden with stores, and five hundred and sixty men for the 
relief of the garrison. This threw the besieged into great 
distress, and with other adverse events, led the French, on 
the 16th of June, to surrender the city. 

55. This expedition displayed the spirit of New-Eng- 
land, and excited the jealousy of Great-Britain. The 
next summer a large French fleet of forty ships appear- 
ed on the coast, which spread great alarm through the col- 
onies. But the French, after many serious disasters, which 
destroyed nearly half their fleet, returned to France. In 
1748, peace was concluded, and Cape Breton was resto- 
red to the French. Nothing more of special importance 
occurred in Massachusetts till the next French war. 



53. What expedition was fitted out about this time? Who 
commanded the army ? 

54. What was the result of this expedition ? 

55. When was peace concluded ? 



72 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



1638. 



NEW-HAMPSHIRE. 

1. The first permanent settlement in New-Hampshire, 
was made by the English, in 1623. John Mason and 
Ferdinand Gorges obtained from the New-England com- 
pany a grant of this territory, and sent over a few pio- 
neers, who made new settlements on the west side of the 
Piscataqua river : one, near the mouth, called Little Har- 
bor ; the other, further up the river, at Cocheco, now 
called Dover. 




SETTLEMENT OF PORTSMOUTH. 

2. Portsmouth was settled in 1631 ; and in 1638, a 

settlement was made at Exeter, by the Rev. John Wheel- 
wright, who had before purchased the land of the Indians. 
The first settlers of tliis State were mostly occupied in 
fishino- and trade. 



1. When was the first permanent English settlement made in 
New-Hampshire? Who obtained a grant of this territory? 
How long since Dover was settled ? 

2. When was Portsmouth settled? How were the first settlers 
mostly occupied ? 



1679. SETTLEMENT OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE. 73 

3. Soon after the settlement of Exeter, the inhabitants 
of that town organized a government for themselves. For 
several years, the government of each town was distinct 
and independent. But finding that they were very much 
exposed to the ravages of the Indians, they placed them- 
selves, in 1641, under the protection of Massachusetts. 
During the wars with Phihp, these feeble settlements suf- 
fered extremely from the barbarous assaults of the enemy. 

4. In 1679, New-Hampshire was separated from Mas- 
sachusetts and made a distinct province. Its govern- 
ment consisted of a president and council, appointed by 
the king, and a house of representatives, chosen by the 
people. The assembly held its first session at Ports- 
mouth, in 1680, when a law was passed, declaring, that 
" no act, imposition, law or ordinance, should be imposed 
upon the inhabitants, but such as should be made by the 
assembly, and approved by the president and council." 

5. About this time a contest commenced, which con- 
tinued with more or less severity for many years. Ro- 
bert Mason, the grand-son of John Mason, arrived at 
Portsmouth, and laid claim to a large part of the territory, — 
declared all titles of land not given by him to be invalid. 
His claims were rejected, and returning to England, he 
induced the king to commission Edward Cranfieid as the 
commander-in-cliief of New-Hampshire. On Cranfieid 's 
arrival, he also met with violent opposition in urging the 
claims of Mason. By a course of injustice and oppres- 
sion, he rendered himself contemptible in the eyes of the 
people, and was obliged to leave the country. Mr. Wal- 
dron, a principal man in the colony, and the owner of much 
land, was very active in opposing the claims of Mason 
and Cranfieid. 

3. What was the government of each town ? Under the pro- 
tection of what colony did they place themselves in 1641 ? 

4. When was New-Hampshire made a distinct province ? 

5. What claims weie made by ]\Iason ? What did he do? 
How were his claims refi;arded ? 

7 



74 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1689* 

6. In 1689, the people sent a petition to the king, pray- 
ing that they might again be annexed to Massachusetts, 
The petition was refused, and the petitioners were obli- 
ged to submit to a separate government. Samuel Allen, 
who had purchased Mason's claim, was made governor of 
the colony. He at once renewed the old contests re- 
specting lands. Suits were laid against some of the 
principal land-holders, but the court usually gave a decision 
in their favor. 

7. Major Waldron and others, of Dover, by repeated 
acts of injustice, roused the indignation of the Indians, 
who concerted the following plan for destroying the 
town. In consequence of the dangers to which they 
were exposed, the inhabitants had fortified several houses 
to which they repedred every night to sleep. The Indians 
sent several women, who were considered friendly to the 
whites, to seek lodging with them. They were instructed 
to throw open the doors of Jhese houses in the night, and 
give a signal to the Indians, who were to be concealed in 
the immediate vicinity. 

8. The plan was successful. At midnight the signal 
was given, and the savages rushed into the houses. Their 
vengeance was first directed towards Waldron, who, after 
bravely defending himself, was overpowered and treated 
with the greatest barbarity. He was thrown upon a ta- 
ble, and each of the savages in turn gasliing his breast 
with their knives, exclaimed, " thus I cross out my ac- 
count." At length they put an end to his sufferings, by 
rolling him from the table upon the point of his own 
sword. 

9. Others shared a similar fate. In this surprisal, 

6. What took place in 1689 ? 

7. Who roused the indignation of the Indians ? What plan 
did they concert to destroy the town ? 

8. Describe tiieir treatment of Major Waldron ? 

9. How many were killed and taken prisoners? How long 
did these depredations continue ? When was Londonderry 
settled ? By whom ? 



1746. SETTLEMENT OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE. 75 

twenty-three persons were killed, and twenty-nine taken 
prisoners. Many houses were plundered and burned. 
Other towns were attacked, hundreds were killed, and ma- 
ny carried captive to Canada, and sold to the French. 
These cruel depredations continued till 1697, when peace 
was again restored. In 1703, the colonies were again 
involved in a long and bloody war. In 1719, London- 
derry was settled by emigrants from Ireland. They 
brought over the foot spinning-wheel, and cultivated po- 
tatoes, and were noted for their industry. 

10. In 1722, war broke out again with the French and 
Indians. During this war, Captain John Lovewell* dis- 
tinguished himself in fighting the Indians. In one of his 
expeditions he surprised a company of ten Indians who 
were asleep around a fire. The Indians jumping up, one 
after another, were shot on the spot, except one, who at- 
tempting to escape, was seized by Lovewell's dog, and 
shared the same fate with the others. In another expe- 
dition, Lovewell and most of his men were killed by the 
Indians, under the command of the famous Paugus. 

11. In 1746, the owners of Mason's title urged again 
their old claim, but meeting with no success they soon 
yielded, and settled this unhappy contest by an honorable 
appropriation of their lands. In their grants they provi- 
ded for the liberal support of the ministers of the gospel, 
for building churches, promoting education and internal 
improvements. The people of New-Hampshire now en- 
joyed a good degree of prosperity and repose, which was 
not interrupted till the opening of the French war. 

30. Who distinguished himself in the war of 1722? 
11. What took place in 1746 ? 

* John Lovewell, or Lcvell, whs distinefuished in the Indian wars, for his 
bold and daring exploits. He was killed at a place calltd Lovell's pond, in 
1725. He was here met by a party of Indians under Paugus. At the first fire 
he and eight of his nn-n were killed, during the contest Chamberlain killed 
Paugus. (See Easy Reader, page 120.) 



76 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1665. 



NEW JERSEY. 

1 . New-Jersey was first settled by the Danes, at Ber- 
gen, 1624. Shortly after, a few Dutch families settled 
on the western shore of New- York bay. In 1627, a 
company of Swedes, under the patronage of Gustavus 
Adolphus, their king, came over and planted a colony on 
the banks of the Delav/are. Three years after, the 
Enghsh began a settlement at Elsingburgh, on the east- 
ern side of that river. This settlement was soon broken 
up by the Swedes, who erected a fort on the same spot to 
guard the river. 

2. The Swedes continued to multiply their settlements 
until 1655, when they were conquered by the Dutch. It 
lias been stated in the history of New- York, that the 
Dutch claimed all the territory between the Connecticut 
and the Delaware. The same territory was also claim- 
ed by the king of England ; who, in 1664, sent over a 
fleet which completely subdued the Dutch. 

3. The same year the duke of York, to whom the king 
liad granted this territory, conveyed all the lands between 
the Delaware and Hudson to Lord Berkley and Sir George 
Carteret. These possessions were called New-Jersey, in 
honor of Sir George Carteret, who had been governor of 
the island of Jersey. They appointed Piiilip Carteret 
governor. He arrived at Elizabethtown, in 1665, and es- 
tablished a government over the colony, just and liberal in 
its principles. 

4. For several years, the colony was in a very flourish- 

1. Wlien and b}' whom was New-Jersey first settled ? WJir^ro 
did the Dutch romineiue a settlement? The Swedes? The 
English ? Who hroke up the Enj^lish settlement ? 

2. When were tlie Swedes conquered? When were the 
Dutch ? 

3. "What grant did the duke of York make in 1664? Why 
were the possessions called New-Jersey ? Who was appointed 
governor ? 

4. What happened in 1072? Wiiy ? 



1678. SETTLEMENT OF NEW-JERSEY. 77 

ing state. But at length those settlers who had purcha- 
sed their land of the Indians, before the English took 
possession, refused to pay rent for it to the government. 
In 1672, the discontented party rose in rebellion. Their 
complaints were made known to the proprietors in Eng- 
land. Some concessions were made, and some privileges 
granted, which satisfied the people. 

5. About this time Lord Berkley granted all his claims 
in the colony to Edward Billinge. In 1676, the territory 
was divided into East- Jersey and West-Jersey. The latter 
was assigned to BilHnge, — the former to Sir George Carte- 
ret. Three years before this division was made, the Dutch 
again took possession of this territory, but retained it on- 
ly a few months. In consequence of this conquest by 
the Dutch, Sir Edmund Andross declared, that Berldey and 
Carteret had lost all claim to the territory. In 1678, he 
therefore extended his tyrannical sway over New-Jersey. 

6. He imposed taxes upon the people, seized and im- 
prisoned all those who would not submit to his authority. 
The colonies complained to the duke, and the case was at 
length referred to commissioners, and decided in favor of 
the people. Billinge had committed the management of 
affairs in West-Jersey to a board of trustees, one of whom 
was William Penn. To Penn and his associates, the terri- 
tory of East-Jersey was also granted, in 1608. 

7. Penn and his Quaker brethren, now appointed Ro- 



5. What grant did Lord Berkley make ? What division of 
the territory was made in 1676 ? To whom were these divisions 
assigned ? In consequence of the Dutch conquest, what did Sir 
Edmund Andross do? How do you like Sir Edmond Andross' 
character? Should you like to have a governor like him in this 
State ? 

6. In consequence of the treatment they received from An- 
dross, what did the people do? To whose management was 
West-Jersey committed ? What was done in 1682.'' 

7. Who was appointed governor of East-Jersey ? 

7* 



78 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1738. 

bert Barclay* governor of East- Jersey for life ; but peace 
and tranquillity were not yet secured. There had been 
so many owners of the land, and so many changes in the 
government, that no one could tell with certainty whether 
he had a good title to his land or not. Great disorder 
prevailed. This state of confusion continued till 1702, 
when the right of government was surrendered to the 
queen of England. 

8. The two divisions were now re-united, under the old 
name of New-Jersey. Lord Cornbury was appointed 
governor. The same governor exercised jurisdiction 
over the provinces of New-Jersey and New- York. In 
1738, the king, in answer to a petition of the people of 
New-Jersey, appointed a separate governor over that 
colony. The office was first conferred upon Lewis Mor- 
ris, under whose administration the people enjoyed peace 
and prosperity. The population was then 40,000. This 
year the college named Nassau Hall, was founded at 
Princeton. The settlers of New-Jersey purchased their 
lands of the Indians, and by their mildness and hospitality, 
secured their friendship. 

8. Under what name were East and West-Jersey again uni- 
ted in 1702? Wlio was appointed governor? When had New- 
Jersey a separate governor appointed? Who was appointed to 
this office? When was Nassau Hall college founded? How 
many years since New-Jersey was settled ? 

* Robert Barclay, an eminent writer of the society of Quakers, was born in 
Scotland, in 1648, of an ancient and honorable family. Uniting all the advan- 
tages of a learned education, to great natural abilities, he early distinguished 
himself by his talents and zeal in defending the doctrines of the sect to which 
he belonged. He published many works, the most noted of whicli was his 
" Apology for the Quakers." This work m as published in Latin, in 1676, and 
■was quickly translated in the English, Dutch, French, German, and Spanish 
languages. He was much persecuted, and several times irnprisoned, in conse- 
quence of his religious sentiments. He spent the close of his life, in the bosom 
of a large family, in quiet and peace. He died in 1690, in the 42d year of his age. 



1664. SETTLEMENT OF DELAWARE. 79 



DELAWARE. 

1. In 1627, a company of Swedes and Finns arrived in 
Delaware bay, and landed at Cape Henlopen. They 
were so much pleased with the richness and beauty of 
the countiTj that they called it Paradise Point. They 
purchased a large tract of land of the Indians, and called 
it New-Sweden. Their first settlement was near Wil- 
mington. 

2. Afterwards a settlement was made at Tinicum, and 
became their seat of government. John Printz was their 
first governor. They erected a number of forts along 
the river to protect their settlements from the Dutch, 
who were now settling on the eastern side. In 1641, the 
Dutch crossed the river, and built a fort at New Castle. 
The Swedes claimed the territory and remonstrated 
against these proceedings. 

3. Risingh, the second Swedish governor, with a band 
of thirty men, visited the fort under pretense of friend- 
ship. Being admitted, and kindly treated by the Dutch, 
he seized this opportunity to take possession of the fort. 
This act of treachery exasperated the Dutch governor of 
New- York, and he came with a fleet of seven ships and 
took possession of all the Swedish settlements. Many 
of the Swedes were seized and transported to Holland ; 
the remainder submitted to the Dutch. 

4. In 1664, the English conquered the Dutch, and took 
possession of all their dominions. The settlement on the 



1. When and by whom was Delaware first settled ? What 
did they call the country ? 

2. What town became their seat of government ? Who was 
their first governor? What did the Dutch do in 1641 ? 

3. How did the Swedes get possession of the fort ? What 
did the Dutch do in consequence? 

4. What happened in 16i54 ? In 1G82? How many years 
since the Swedes first landed in Delaware ? Where did the 
Swedes come from ? Where the Finns ? 



80 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1633. 

Delaware continued under the English governor of New- 
York, until 1682. At this time, William Penn obtained a 
grant of the several tracts of land which now constitute 
the State of Delaware. They were called the " terri- 
tories," and for many years were under the government 
of Pennsylvania. 

.5. The territories were divided into three counties. 
Each county sent six delegates to the general assembly 
of Pennsylvania. In consequence of the fertility of the 
soil, and the liberal policy of the government, Delaware 
increased rapidly in population, and at the commence- 
ment of the revolution, was in a prosperous condition. 



CONNECTICUT. 

1. The territory now constituting the State of Con- 
necticut, was granted by the Plymouth company, in Eng- 
land, to Lords Say and Sele, Lord Brook, and others, in 
1631. About this time, Mr. Winslow, governor of Ply- 
mouth, visited tlie country along the Connecticut river, 
and finding the Indians friendly, and desirous of trading 
with the whites, he selected a spot for a trading house. 
The Dutch at New-York, anticipating the designs of 
Winslow, sent a company to erect a fort at Hartford, to 
prevent tlie English from forming a settlement in that 
region. 

2. In 1633, Winslow, having prepared the frame of a 
building, fitted out a party from Plymouth, under the di- 
rection of Capt. Wm. Holmes. He sailed up the river, 
and as he was passing the fort, the Dutch hailed him, and 

1. When and to whom was the territory of Connecticut grant- 
ed .'' Who visited the country soon after this ? What did he do ? 
What did the Dutcli do in consequence ? 

2. What took place in 1633 ? Would you iiave done as Capt. 
Holmes did ? Where was the first house erected in Connecti- 
cut ? When ? 



1035. 



SETTLEMENT OF CONXECTICUT. 



81 




HOLMES PASSING THE DUTCH FORT AT HARTFORD. 

ordered him to stop. But as Holmes paid no regard to 
their orders, they fired upon him. But the shot of the 
Dutch were as useless as their words. The English pass- 
ed by without injury, ascended the river, landed and set 
up their building within the present limits of the town of 
Windsor. 

3. In 1635, a number of families from Massachusetts, 
began settlements at Wethersfield, and Windsor. The 
next winter, some of them being destitute of provisions 
and in danger of starvation, returned through the cold and 
snow to their friends in Massachusetts. In October of the 
same year, John Winthrop arrived from England, with 
orders from the company who now ov/ned the territory, 
to build a fort at the mouth of the river. 

4. In the summer of 1635, the Rev. Mr. Hooker and 
about one hundred persons belonging to his congregation, 
left Massachusetts and laid the foundation of Hartford. 



3. What tiuvns wore sefUed in 1C3^j ? 

4. How many years since ilarlford was settled ' 



82 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1639. 

In their long journey through the wilderness, they had no 
guide but their compass, no cover but the heavens, and 
their principle food was the milk of the cows, which they 
drove before them. The Indians in Connecticut were 
very numerous. Thirty years after its settlement there 
were about twenty Indians to one white man. The first 
settlers suffered every sort of barbarity from these cruel 
savages. 

5. In 1637, the troops from this colony distinguished 
themselves for bravery and fortitude, in the war against 
the Pequots, some account of which has already been 
given in the history of Massachusetts. During this war, 
the Rev. John Davenport, Mr. Eaton and other gentlemen 
of wealth and respectability from England, arrived at 
Boston. In 1638, they founded the colony of New- 
Haven at Quinnipiac, the Indian name of that region. 

6. The first Sabbath after their arrival, Mr. Davenport 
preached to the colony under a large oak tree. A day 
of fasting and prayer was appointed, and at the close of 
it, they all bound themselves by a solemn covenant, " to 
be governed in all things both civil and religious, by the 
rules and principles of the bible." 

7. In 1639, the people of this colony met in a large 
barn, and adopted a constitution. It provided that none 
but members of some church should be permitted to vote, 
or take any part in government ; that aU voters should 
meet once a year to choose the officers of the colony ; 
and that the word of God should be their only rule, as 
well in civil as in religious affairs. The same year the 
people of Wethersfield, and Windsor, assembled at Hart- 

5. When and by whom was the colony of New-Haven found- 
ed ? The Connecticut cohmy embraced the towns on the Con- 
necticut river. The New-Haven coh>ny embraced the towns 
bordering on Long Island sound. Tliey remained separate and 
distinct colonies till 1CG5. 

6. Where was the first religious meeting held in New-Haven ? 
How did they agree to be governed .'' 

7. When and where did they adopt a constitution ? 



1650. SETTLEMENT OF CONNECTICUT. 83 

ford, and adopted a constitution for the colony of Con- 
necticut ; which, in many respects, was similar to that of 
New-Haven. 

8. About this time, George Fenwick and others, began 
a settlement at the mouth of the river, v/hich, in honor of 
Lords Say and Sele, and Lord Brook, was called Sayhrook, 
For many years they enacted their own laws, and made 
their own regulations ; but in 1664, this town became a 
part of the Connecticut colony. 

9. The Dutch, claiming the territory of Connecticut, 
continued their hostilities and excited the Indians against 
the colonies. In 1650, a treaty of peace was made with 
the English, by which the Dutch gave up their claim to 
the territory. But soon after, the Dutch governor was 
detected in forming a conspiracy with the savages, for the 
entire extermination of the English. 

10. At this time the colonies of New-England were 
all, except Rhode Island, united in a confederacy for their 
mutual protection. New-Haven and Connecticut, alarm- 
ed at their danger, laid before the commissioners of the 
united colonies, the designs of the Dutch. At first agents 
were sent to the Dutch governor ; but obtaining from 
him no satisfactoiy explanation of his conduct, the com- 
missioners thought it necessary to appeal to arms. 

11. At this critical moment, the court of Massachusetts 
resolved, "that no decision of the commissioners should 
bind the colony to engage in war." This was a gross 
violation of the articles of the confederacy. Connecticut 
and New-Haven, not being able to defend themselves 
against their enemies, without the aid of Massachusetts, 
implored the assistance of Cromwell, who was then at 
the head of affairs in England. He immediately sent a 



8. When \v;is Saybrook settled ? 

9. What took place in 1650 ?■ Did the Dutch continue friendly ? 

10. What did the colonies of New-Haven and Connecticut 
do^ 

11. What was the conduct of Massachusetts ? 



84 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1686. 

fleet against the Dutch ; but soon after its arrival in New- 
England, the news of peace between Holland and Eng- 
land reached the colonics, which put an end to all hos- 
tilities. 

12. On the restoration of Charles II., John Winthrop, 
governor of Connecticut, was sent to England to obtain 
from the king a royal charter for that colony. He pre- 
sented to Charles a ring of great value, which his fatlier 
Charles I. had given to Winthrop 's grandfather. Pleased 
with the gift, the king granted a charter very liberal in 
its privileges, and which confirmed all the provisions of 
then' constitution. Tho charter included New-Haven; 
but that colony, not willing to give up its entire inde- 
pendence, did not submit to the regulations of the charter 
until 1665, when the two colonies were united. 

13. In 1686, king James II. dissatisfied with the spirit 
of liberty which prevailed in the colonies, ordered the 
people of Connecticut to surrender their charter. Sir 
Edmund Andross, his agent, and at that time governor of 
New-England, finding the people of that colony unwilling 
to submit to the king's order, marched with a band of 
troops to Hartford. 

14. The legislature was now in session. Sir Edmund 
entered the court-house and demanded the charter. The 
matter was debated until evening, w^hen the charter was 
brought forth and laid on the table. The excitement was 
great, and the house was crowded. In the heat of the 
discussion, the candles were all suddenly extinguished. 

11. From whom was assistance implored ? What did Crom- 
well do? What event rendered assistance unnecessary ? 

12. Who was sent to obtain a charter for Connecticut .'' State 
the result. When were the colonies of Connecticut and JNew- 
Haven united ? 

13. What took place in 1686.^ What did Sir Edmund An- 
dross do ? 

14. State what took place at Hartford. What has this tree 
been called since that event ? d. The charter oak. It is still 
standing in the southern part of the city of Hartfoi-d. 



1692. SETTLEMENT OF CONNECTICUT. 85 

When they were relighted, the charter was gone. Amid 
the darkness and confusion, a Captain Wadsworth had 
seized it, and, escaping from the house, had concealed it 
in the hollow of an oak tree. 



1 ^^^^»^^" 




'Bi-.^^^SRM^ 


■A 




^M 




m 




mil 




nT 


6i 






m 



CHARTER OAK AT HARTFORD. 

15. Andross now took upon himself the absolute con- 
trol of the colony. Soon after this, king James was 
driven from the throne, and Connecticut, under the favor 
of king William, who succeeded him, enjoyed her former 
privileges. But in 1692, the king appointed Colonel 
Fletcher governor of New- York, and commissioned him 
to take command of the militia of Connecticut. By the 
charter, this power was conferred upon her own governor ; 
and he was determined to maintain it, and was supported 
in this determination by the people of the colony. 

16. The next year, Fletcher repaired to Hartford ; but 
was promptly informed that the militia would not be placed 



15. What event occurred soon after, favorable to the colony ? 
What took place in 169'3.' By the charter of Connecticut wJio 
wascomrnander-in-chief of the militia? 



86 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1708. 

under his command. He then ordered out the troops of 
that city. This being done, he appeared in front of the 
line, and commanded one of his officers to read to them 
his commission from the king. Wadsworth, the captain 
of the militia, immediately commanded the drums to beat. 
Fletcher demanded silence, and ordered the officer to read 
on. "Drum, drum," cried Wadsworth. The order was 
obeyed, and nothing was heard but the roar of drums. 
" Silence, silence," exclaimed Fletcher, and a pause suc- 
ceeded. Wadsworth then turning to colonel Fletcher, 
boldly addressed him, " If I am interrupted again, I will 
make the sun shine through you in a moment," and again 
ordered the drums to beat. Struck with this bold address, 
Fletcher no longer persisted. The case was afterwards 
referred to the king, and decided in favor of Connecticut, 

17. In 1700, a number of clergymen desiring to in- 
crease the means of education, founded Yale College. It 
was first established at Say brook ; but in 1716, it was 
removed to New-Haven. It derived its name from EUhu 
Yale, one of its most liberal patrons. In respect to 
numbers and reputation, it is now one of the first literary 
institutions in the country. 

18. In 1708, the people of Connecticut established an 
ecclesiastical constitution. The ministers and delegates 
of the churches met at Saybrook, and framed the cele- 
brated creed, called The Saybrook Platform. All churches 
which acknowledged this platform were established by 
law. Other churches however were permitted to regu- 
late their own concerns as they chose. 

19. In the wars with the Indians, Connecticut suffered 



16. When did Col. Fletcher go to Hartford ? For what pur- 
pose? Did lie obtain the command of the militia? What 
occurred ? Did Capt. Wadsworth do right ? 

17. When was Yale College founded ? Where was it first 
established ? When and to what place was it removed ? 

18. What was done in 1708 ? How many years since the first 
settlement was made in Connecticut ? 



ISM. SETTLEMENT OF MARYLAND. 87 

much, though less than some of the other colonies. Her 
troops were ever ready to fly to the assistance of their 
brethren, and were distinguished for their bravery and 
success. After the death of Philip, she was seldom mo- 
lested by the Indians, and for many years enjoyed unin- 
terrupted prosperity. 

MARYLAND. 

1. We have seen that the first settlement of Massa- 
chusetts and Rhode-Island was owing to religious per- 
secution. The same spirit prevailed against the Roman 
Catholics, which led to the settlement of Maryland. 

In 1632, George Calvert, called Lord Baltimore, a dis- 
tinguished member of that sect, applied to Charles I. for 
a grant of territory north of Virginia, for the purpose of 
estabhshing a settlement on the principles of religious 
liberty. Before the grant had passed the royal seal, he 
died. About two months after, the territory was granted 
in the name of Cecil Calvert, Lord Baltimore's eldest son 
and heir. In honor of the queen Maria, the colony was 
called Maryland. 

2. Lord Baltimore appointed his brother, Leonard Lai- 
vert, governor of the province. He with about 200 Catho- 
lie em'igrants arrived at the mouth of the Potomac, in 1634. 
After exploring the country for a few weeks, they pur- 
chased the village of Yoamaco of the Indians, and named 
it St. Marys. Here they found comfortable habita- 
tions'; and "the soil being somewhat cultivated, they had 
a sufficient supply of provisions. 

3. Many circumstances favored the settlement ot Ma- 
ryland ; although Lord Baltimore and his famHy were 

19. What is said of the troops of Connecticut? 

1. What led to the settlement of Maryland ? How did Lord 
Bakimore wish to estabhsh a settlement? ^ 

2. Wlien, where and by whom was the first settlement made . 



88 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1645. 

Catholics, and had been severely oppressed and perse- 
cuted in England, they granted equal protection to all 
christian denominations, in their new colony, while per- 
secution prevailed in the northern provinces. The soil 
and climate were very inviting. The Indians were per- 
fectly friendly. The people were permitted to make 
their own laws. These things led to the rapid increase 
of the colony. 

4. The first assembl}', wliich met soon after they ar- 
rived, was composed of all the freemen in the colony. 
This mode of legislation was soon altered. In 1639, 
the " House of Assembly" was made up of representa- 
tives, chosen by the people, and persons appointed by 
the proprietor, together with the governor and secretary. 
These all met m the same room. A change took 
place in 1650, by which this body was divided into a 
lower house, consisting of representatives, and an upper 
house, consisting of persons appointed by the proprietor. 

5. The peace of tliis colony was soon disturbed by 
William Clay borne. By circulating false reports among 
the Indiai:is, he excited them to a war, wliich involved the 
colony in much distress for several years. Clayborne 
was tried and condemned ; but before the day of his exe- 
cution, he made his escape. At length he appealed to 
the king, but his appeal was in vain. During the civil 
war in England, he joined the party opposed \o the king. 
Soon after, he returned to Maryland, and in 1645, excited 
a rebeUion against the government. 



3. What circumstances favored the settlement of ]\laryland ? 
How does the conduct of tlie firs=t settlers of Maryland compare 
with that ot the first settlors of Massachusetts ? 

4. When did tiie first assembly meet f Of whom was it 
composed? When was this mode of legislation altered? Of 
whom did the House of Assembly consist ? What chatjge took 
place in 1G50 ? 

5. By whom was tho peace of the colony disturbed ? How ? 
When did lie excite a rebellion ? 



1716. SETTLEMENT OF MARYLAND. 89 

6. But the contending parties in England soon occa- 
sioned a civil war in the colony. The Catholics were 
completely overpowered, and an act was passed declaring 
them without the protection of law. Laws also were en- 
acted against the Quakers. At the restoration of Charles 
II. in 1660, Phihp Calvert was appointed governor, and 
harmony was again restored in the colony. At this time 
the population of Maryland was about 12,000. 

7. Cecil Calvert, Lord Baltimore, the proprietor and 
founder of the colony, died in 1676. He was greatly 
distinguished for wisdom, benevolence, and liberty of senti- 
ment. His memory is gratefully cherished by the peo- 
ple of Maryland. The city of Baltimore was named 
after him. By his death his eldest son, Charles, became 
heir to his estate and title. 

8. The peace of the colony was again disturbed in 
1689, when a suspicion prevailed that the Catholics had 
conspired with the Indians to destroy the Protestants. 
A revolution took place, and the Protestants assumed 
the government in the name of king Wilham. The gov- 
ernment of the colony continued under the crown of Eng- 
land until 1716, when it was again restored to Lord Bal- 
timore, with whom it remained for many years, 

6. What law was passed against the Catholics, and against 
the Quakers ? Who was appointed governor in 1G60? 

7. When did Lord Baltimore die, — and what was his charac- 
ter ? What city in Maryland is named after him ? 

8. What took place in 1689? In 1716? How many years 
since the settlement of St. Marys? What was the Indian name 
of St. Marys? Can you tell me how Maryland is bounded? — 
Its capital ? 

8* 



90 nisToriY of the united states. IGSG. 

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emigration of HOGER ■WILLIAMS.* 

1. The first settlement in Rliode-Island was made, in' 
1636, by Roger Vv^illiams, who was banished from Mas- 
sachusetts, as before mentioned. He obtained a tract of 
land from the Indians at a place called Mooshausic, and 

1. When, whnro und by whowi was tho first settlement 
made in Rhode-Island f ^N hy did l)e cull the settlement Provi- 
dence ? 



* Rn-^er Williams was liorn in Wnles ]ii 159n, He was rea^Jilar'y etliicatwl 
and atlniittfcl to orders in the cliiirch of Eiitj-liind. Havintj em braced tJit- doi- 
triiHSof tlie Puritans, lir embarked for America, where lie arrived with his 
wife, in Fel>. 1631. He jnvached in Piyinfiuth about tno years, and, in 1634, 
was settled over the ehiireli in Salem. While here, and at Piynioiith, lie main- 
tained the character he liad aetpiiretl in Enji^iaiid, tliat of " a p:odly man, and 
zealous preacher." His just vit-w s of ielif^i(ais liberty soon gave offense. He 
insisted, that the civil ni jyistrate is bound to grant equal protection to every 
denomination of christians, and that he has no right "to deal in matters of 
conscieiue and religion,""— that every person should be permitted to worship 
Goil agreeohU to the diitntes of his own conscience. These doctrines were 
too liberal for i!ie age in uliich he lived. He \v:is brouglit before the court, 
tried, and banished from the colony, in Ifi^S. Having left Massachtisetts, he 
jiroceeded southward, and purchased a tract of laiid of the Indiims, and laid 
llie foundation of Providence. Having embraced the sentimeiits of the Bap- 



1G43. SETTLEMENT OF TJIODE-ISLAxND. 91 

began to build a town which, in acknowledgment of God's 
goodness to him, in time of trouble and distress, he called 
Providence. 

2. Wilhams maintained the doctrine, that the civil law 
should provide equally for the protection of all christian 
denominations, and not interfere with the faith of any. 
For thes€ just and noble sentiments, he had suffered much 
persecution ; and he now determined to test their practi- 
cal effect, by granting equal toleration, and entire liberty 
of conscience, to all religious sects. 

3. The colony soon became popular, and many joined 
it from other settlements. In 1638, William Codding- 
ton, with many others, came from Massachusetts, and set- 
tled on the island, now called Rhode-Island. From this 
island the colony afterwards took its name. 

4. In 1643, Rhode-Island petitioned to be admitted 
into the celebrated union of the New-England colonies. 
Plymouth declaring the settlements of this colony to be 
within the limits of lier territory, would not consent to 
the petition. But after a warm discussion between the 
commissioners, it was voted that Rhode-Island should en- 



2. VVliat doctrine did Williams maintain ? How does his 
conduct compare with that of the first settlers of Massachusetts 
colony ? 

3. What took place in 1638 ? 

4. What prevented Rhode-Island from joining the confede- 
racy ? 

lists, he was baptised, in March, 1639, and while he enjoyed liberty of con- 
science hiinstlt, he granted it to all others. He studied the Indian languages 
and used his endeavois to impart to tite savages the blessings of the gospel. 
Heeiijoyed the highest confidence of liis fellow citizens, a)id uas seveial times 
elected to the oflice of governor. He died in 1683, at Providence. He was u 
man of supciior talents, of nnblemished moral charucter, and of ardent piety, 
—unyielding in opinions which he conceived to be right,— aiul not to be diver- 
ted by threats or llatteiy from what he believed to be duty. His memory is de- 
serving of lasting honor, for the correctness of his opinions vesi)ecting libei-ty 
of conscience, and lor the generous toleration which he established. W ith true 
magnanimity and nobleness of soul, he exercised all his influence with the In- 
dians, in favor of Massachusetts, and ever evinced the greatest friendship for 
the colony from which he had been driven. He is justly accused of frequent 
changes in his religious sentiments ; but these changes shotild be ascribed to 
toavictiou, lather than any regard to worldly interests. 



92 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1764. 

joy all the benefits of the Union, provided she would sub- 
mit to the jurisdiction of Plymouth. Spurning the idea 
of such submission, she maintained her independence, and 
was not associated with the other colonies. 

5. The same year, 1643, Roger Williams went to 
England and obtained a grant of the territory, and a per- 
mission for the people of the colony to organize a civil 
government. In 1647, delegates from the several towns 
met at Portsmouth, adopted a constitution, and framed a 
code of laws. The executive power was placed in the 
hands of a president, or governor, and four assistants. 

6. In 1663, King Charles granted a charter to Rhode- 
Island, similar in its provisions to that of Connecticut. 
The legislature passed a law that every christian sect, ex- 
cept Roman Catholics, should enjoy all the privileges of 
freemen. A law was also passed that the property of 
Quakers, who refused to take up arms in defense of the 
colony, should be seized by the public officers. But this 
law, not being agreeable to the people, was never en- 
forced. The charter government of tliis colony was dis- 
solved by Andross, wliile he was governor of New-Eng- 
land, but was resumed again directly after his imprison- 
ment. 

7. In 1764, Brown University was founded by Nicho- 
las Brown, at Warren ; but afterwards, was removed to 
Providence, and is now a flourishing institution. At this 
time the population of the colony was about 75,000. 

5. What took place in 1643? When was the government of 
Rhode-Island first organized ? Where is Portsmouth ? A. It is 
in Rhode-Island, 7 miles north of Newport. 

6. VVlien did the colony obtain a charter? 

7. When and by whom was Brown University founded? — 
What protected the colony from Indian depredations? Suppose 
all the white people that came to America had been kind and 
honest in their dealings with the Indians, what do you think 
would have been the result? If we should in all cases, "do to 
others as we wish others to do to us," what do you imagine 
would be the consequence ? 



1663. SETTLEMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA. 93 

Rhode-Island, on account of her just and benevolent 
treatment of the Indians, was seldom molested by their 
depredations. 



NORTH CAROLINA. 



1. Sir Robert Heath, in 1630, obtained a grant of a. 
large extent of territory south of Virginia, which was 
called Carolina. Under this grant, no colony was planted. 
About the year 1645, a number of persons fled from per- 
secution in Virginia, and settled north of Albemarle 
sound. Here for many years they lived in the enjoyment 
of freedom and plenty. 

2. In 1661, another settlement was made near Cape 
Fear, by a band of adventurers from New-England. A 
few years after, it was greatly increased by a company 
of emigrants from Barbadoes. The}- purchased the lands 
of the Indians, but had no other title. 

3. As yet, Sir Robert Heath had not complied with 
the conditions of his title, and, in 1663, tlie same territory 
was granted to Lord Clarendon and seven others. They 
now organized a government on the most liberal princi- 
ples, and held out many inducements to emigration. Mr. 
Drummond was appointed governor of the settlement on 
the Albemarle. 

4. At this time, the celebrated John Locke had gained 

1. To whom was Carolina first granted? When and where 
was a settlement first made in Carolina ? 

2. Hhen and where was ihe second settlement made ? From 
what placf! did emigrants come a few years afierr What and 
where is Barbadoes.'' Ji. It is the most eastern of the West-In- 
dia Itilandif. 

3. To whom was Carolina granted in 1663? 

4. Who prepared a constitution for Carolina ? Who was John 
Locke? Jl. He was one of the most eminent philosophers and 
Aaluable writers of his age and country. He was l)orn in Somer- 
setshire, England, in 1632. He died in 1704. Did the colony 
adopt his constitution ? 



94 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1712. 

great reputation in England, for his political writings. At 
the request of Lord Clarendon, he prepared a constitution 
of government for the province. It was very different 
from the constitutions of the other colonies. It provided 
that the governor should hold his office during life, and 
that a hereditary nobility should be created. This con- 
stitution was adopted, but was not pleasing to the people, 
and was the occasion of much disorder in the colony. 

5. In 1671, William Sayle commenced a settlement, 
which in honor of king Charles, he called Charleston. 
This town, being well situated for commerce, rapidly in- 
creased in population. Many came from Clarendon 
county, which embraced the settlements about Cape Fear. 
After the death of Sayle, Sir John Yeamans was appointed 
governor of Charleston. The settlements under this gov- 
ernment were now called South CaroHna, in distinction 
from those at Albemarle, which were called North Caro- 
lina. 

6. At length disorders began to arise in the northern 
colony. These were greatly increased under the admin- 
istration of Seth Sothel, one of the proprietors, who had 
been appointed governor. The people, after enduring 
for six years his cruel oppression, banished him from the 
colony. In 1793, a change took place, and the govern- 
ment of each colony afterwards consisted of a governor, 
council, and house of representatives. 

7. North Carolina was not long free from the calami- 
ties of an Indian war. In 1712, the Tuscaroras, fired 
with a love of country and a spirit of revenge for past 
injuries, formed a plan for destroying the whites. At this 
time many French and German protestants were hving 
in the interior. One night 1200 savage warriors, having 
concerted a plan, entered the houses of the inhabitants, 

5. When was Charleston settled? 

6. What took place in 1693? 

7. What war in 1712? What were the principal events that 
took place during this war? 



1670. SETTLEMENT OF SOUTH CAROLINA. 95 

and murdered men, women and children, without mercy. 
They flew from village to village, leaving nothing behmd 
them but a horrid scene of common slaughter. 

8. Not long after that fatal night. Colonel Barnwell, 
with about 1000 men, arrived from South Carolina. Af- 
ter subduing the enemy and restoring peace, he returned. 
But hostilities were soon renewed by the Indians. Colo- 
nel Moore was immediately sent with a strong force from 
the southern colony. He defeated the enemy and took 
800 prisoners. The next year the Tuscaroras abandoned 
their country, and joined the confederacy of the five na- 
tions in New- York. 

9. The two Carolinas were still under the same propri- 
etors. Troubles and disputes often arose between the 
rulers and the people. In 1729, the court of Eng- 
land declared the old charter forfeited ; and the king im- 
mediately estabHshed a distinct government over each 
colony. The people of North Carohna, finding the soil 
in the interior much better than that near the coast, be- 
gan to penetrate the wilderness. Peace with the Indians 
being secured, many came from the northern provinces; 
and the colony, under wise governors, enjoyed a high de- 
gree of prosperity. 



SOUTH CAROLINA. 

1. The first settlement in South Carolina was made at 
Port Royal, in 1670, by William Sayle. The next year he 
commenced the settlement of old Charleston. This place 

8. What became of the Tuscaroras? Would it have been 
better for the Indians to have remained at peace with the 
whites ? 

9. When was Carolina divided into two distinct and separate 
governments:' 

1, 2. When and where was the first settlement made within 
the limits of South Carolina? What took place in 1680? la 
1690? 



96 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1706. 

increased rapidly, and was for many years the seat of 
government. But in 1680, the people of this town con- 
sidering Oyster Point a more suitable place for a city, re- 
moved there and laid the foundation of the present city 
of Charleston. The first settlers suffered extremely from 
the climate, and from the hostility of the natives. 

2. In 1690, Seth Sothel, who had been banished from 
North Carolina, was by the favor of a party made gov- 
enor. But on account of liis oppression, he was after- 
wards removed from office. The English Episcopalians, 
being very numerous, manifested a spirit of determined 
opposition against the French protestants. They were 
not wilhfig to admit their representatives into the general 
assembly. * The French, were mild and peaceable. The 
governor favored their cause, and endeavored to appease 
the feelings of their unchristian opposers. 

3. In 1695, John Archdale was appointed governor of 
both Carolinas. Order was now restored, and the 
French soon enjoyed all the rights of freemen. But not 
long after this. Lord Granville, one of the proprietors, and 
James Moore the governor, determined to establish the 
episcopal religion by law. An act was passed for this 
purpose, depriving dissenters of all participation in the 
government. This measure was laid before the proprie- 
tors, in England, and finally sanctioned by them. But 
the dissenters made complaint to the house of Lords, and 
soon after, the obnoxious law was declared void. 

4. During the war between England and Spain, gov- 
ernor Moore made an unsuccessflil expedition against the 
Spanish settlements. Soon after his return he marched 
against the neighboring Indians. He burnt their towns, 
took many prisoners, and enriched himself by selling 
them as slaves. In 1706, a Spanish fleet appeared in 
Charleston harbor. But finding the whole force of the 

3. What took place in 1695? What unjust and oppressive 
laws were passed ? 4. What expeditions were undertaken bj 
Gov. Moore ? What took place in 1706 ? 



1788. SETTLEMEJJT OF SOUTH CAROLINA. 97 

colony prepared to oppose them, they retired without a 
general attack. One of their ships however was taken 
by the colonists. 

5. A general war with the Indians, who had conspired 
to extirpate the whites, commenced in 1715. It began 
by a general massacre of the colonists around Port 
Royal. A band of seventy whites and forty negroes, af- 
ter a short contest, surrendered, and were all immediately 
cut to pieces. Governor Carver, with a force of 1200 
men, at a place called Saltcatchers, fought a bloody battle 
with the enemy. The savages were defeated witli great 
slaughter. About 400 whites were killed in this war, and 
a great deal of property destroyed. 

6. Besides the calamities of war, the colonies groaned 
under the cruel measures of the proprietors, and their op- 
pressive oflicers. The people at length became exas- 
perated, and determined to throw off their yoke. In 
1719, a general union was formed, and after several un- 
successful attempts to produce a change in their favor, the 
people met and appointed James Moore their governor. 
He immediately assumed supreme authority, and con- 
trolled the affairs of the colony with spirit and decision. 

7. The contest was finally settled by the king, who es- 
tablished over each of theCarolinas a regular colonial gov- 
€rnment. Under the blessing of good government the 
colony rapidly increased in wealth and population. Its 
peace was again disturbed m 1738, by an insurrection of 
the slaves. At Stono they killed the keepers of a ware- 
house, and supplied themselves with guns and ammunition. 
They then marched forward with their colors flying, killed 
the whites, burned their houses and compelled the blacks 
to join them. 

8. The alarm soon reached Wiltown, where a large 
congregation were assembled for divine worship. Hav- 

5. What took place in 1715? 6. In 1719 ? 
7. What took place in 1738 ? Describe the insurrection and 
conduct of the slaves. 

9 



98 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1644. 

ing their arms with them, they immediately marched 
against the negroes. They soon found them in an open 
field, dancing, and rejoicing at their success. They fell 
upon them, killed some and put the rest to flight. The 
leaders were taken and put to death. The colony after- 
wards suffered from the Indians ; yet the population con- 
tinually increased. Hundreds and thousands came from 
Europe and the northern colonies. 



PENNSYLVANIA. 



1. William Penn* w^as the founder of Pennsylvania. 
His father was an admiral in the English navy, and after 
his death, in reward of his services, king Charles granted 
to his son William a large extent of territory west of 
New-Jersey, and gave it the name of Pennsylvania, which 
means, the groves of Penn. 

2. Penn having become well acquainted with the soil 



8. What was the resuU of this insurrection ? Can you tell me 
how South Carolina is bounded ? Its capital ? 

1. Who was the founder of Pennsylvania ? What can you 
tell rae about Wm. Penn? What is the meaning of the imrd 
Pennsylvania ? 

2. When did the first settlers sail for Pennsylvania.-' When 
did Penn sail ? How many colonists with hira ? 

* William Penn was bom in London in 1644. He was the only son of Wil- 
liam Penn, who was vice-admiral of Enghmd in the time of Oliver Crom- 
well, and afterwards knig^hted by Charles II. for his successful services against 
the Dutch. At the age of 15, he entered Christ-church college, Oxford. He 
appears to have been seriously inclined from his youth ; and having heard 
Thomas Loe, an eminent preacher among the Quakei-s, or Friends, he was 
deeply impressed, and with a nurnber of other students, witlidrew from the 
established worship, and held meetings by themselves. This gave great offense 
to the heads of the college, by whom they were fined for nonconformity, but per- 
sisting in their religious exercises, they were finally expelled the univei-sity. On 
liis return home, his father tried in vam to divert iiim from his religious pursuits ; 
and at length, finding him inflexible in what he now conceived to be his reli- 
gious duty, beat him severely, and turned him out of doors. Relenting, how- 
ever, he sent him to Paris with some persons of quality, hoping by this means 
to draw his mind from the subject oi religion. In two yeai-s, he returned so 
well skilled in the French language, and other polite accomplishments, that he 
"was again joyfolly received at home. He commenced the study of the law at 
Lincoln's Inn. Here he continued till his 22nd year, when his father commit- 



1682. SETTLEMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA. 99 

of that region, now published a description of Pennsyl- 
vania, and offered to sell or rent lands so cheap, that many 
were induced to emigrate. In the autumn of 1681, a 
large company, mostly Quakers, left England for Penn- 
sylvania. Penn also purchased of the duke of York, 
the " Territories" of Delaware. The next summer, with 
about 2,000 colonists, he embarked for America. 

3. He first landed at New-Castle, where he made a 
speech to the people, and explained to them the principles 
of his government. The Dutch, Swedes and Fins, who 
had settled in Delaware, cheerfully submitted to his autho- 
rity. Before leaving England, Penn had published a 
" Frame of government, and a body of Laws," by which 
he intended to regulate the colony. His liberal policy 
induced great numbers to emigrate. 

4. The first assembly met at Chester, soon after his 

3. Where did he first land? 

4. When did the first assembly of the people meet? A. The 
4th of Dec. 1682. Where? Did he drive the Indians off", and 
take their lands? What did he do as regards the Indians? What 
was the consequence of this treaty? A. The colony enjoyed 
the blessings of peace and friendship with the Indians 70 years. 
To what sect of christians did Penn belong, and most of those 
who first settled in that colony ? Can you mention any distin- 
guishing peculianties of the (ctuakers ? A. Never to make war, 
or to perform any act of violence, even in self-defence. What 
city did he immediately found ? 

ted to him the management of a large estate in Ireland. At Cork, he heard 
the famous Ihomas Loe again preach. He began liis discourse with thesu 
penetrating words,—" '1 here is a faith that overcomes the world, and there is 
a faith that is overcome by the world." Penn was so deeply affected that he 
now resolved to devote himself to a religious life. Soon after this he com- 
menced preaching, and from this time, his life was nearly one scene of perse- 
cution. He was often imprisoned and fined, but he was never deterred from 
doing w hat he conceived to be his religfious duty. Some debts being due to his 
father at the time of his death, from the kingf, and as there was no prospect of 
payment very soon in any other mode, Penn solicited a grant of lands in Ame- 
rica; and in 1681, obtained of Charles II. a charter of Pennsylvania. In 1682, 
he arrived in tlie province, and established a government allowing perfect 
liberty of conscience. In 1684, he returned to England, but re-visited Penn- 
sylvania again in 1699. He returned to England in 170), where he died in 
1718, aged 73. The writings of Penn bespeak iiis character as a christian and 
philanthropist. He was a man of great abilities, of quick thought and ready 
utterance, of mildness of disposition and extensive charity. Of his ability as a 
politician and legislator, the prosperity of Pennsylvania is a lasting monument* 



100 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



1684. 



arrival, and adopted his constitution and laws. Penn 
endeavored to secure the good will of the Indians. He 
made a treaty with them, and considering them the right- 
ful owners of the soil, purchased of them all the lands 
which had been secured to liim by the charter from the 
king. He selected a spot for a large cit}'- which he called 
Philadelphia, a word signifying brotherly love. Here 
eighty houses were built before the end of the year. 




PENN S TREATY WITH THE INDIANS. 

5. In 1683, a second assembly was called at Philadel- 
phia. Penn now granted a new charter, similar in spirit 
to the first. Many wise and pacific regulations were 
adopted. Penn was intent upon securing the good order 
and prosperity of all the people. In 1684, he returned 
to England. At this time the province was veiy pros- 
perous. Twenty settlements had already been com- 



5. When and where was a second assembly called ? 
did Penn return to England f 



W 



1701. SETTLEMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA. 101 

menced, and the city of Philadelphia contained 2,000 
inhabitants. 

6. Penn was a firm friend of James II. " As he has," 
said he, " been my friend, and my father's friend, I feel 
bound in justice to be a friend to him." On account of 
his known attachment to James, he was accused of hos- 
tility to king William, and was several times imprisoned. 
The government of his province was taken out of his 
hands, and conferred upon Col. Fletcher, the governor of 
New- York. But he soon proved his conduct to be just 
and honorable, and his rights were again restored. He 
now commissioned William Markham as his deputy go- 
vernor. 

7. Penn visited his province again in 1699. Finding 
some ground of complaint among the people, in 1701, 
he granted them a new charter. He also permitted the 
Territories to have a distinct assembly, yet subject to the 
governor of Pennsylvania. Soon after this, Penn return- 
ed to England again, and left the government of his pro- 
vince in the hands of his deputy governor. 

8. Frequent complaints were still made, which for many 
years marred the happiness of the people. The colony, 
however, continued to increase in wealth and population, 
beyond any previous example. By their just and upright 
conduct, the whites secured the friendship of the Indians, 
which was not interrupted for more than 70 years. 

6. To what king was Penn friendly? Why was Penn impri- 
soned by king William? Whom did he appoint as his deputy 
governor ? 

7. When did Penn visit Pennsylvania for the last time? What 
did he do in 1701? 

8. How happened it that the colony of Pennsylvania lived in 
peace and friendship with the Indians, whiie other colonies suf- 
fered so much from their depredations ? Can you tell me how 
Pennsylvania is bounded r Its capital ? 

9* 



102 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1740. 



GEORGIA. 

1. In 1732, George II. granted the territory now con- 
stituting the state of Georgia, to a company of benevolent 
individuals, who desired to provide an asylum for the poor 
of England, and for the persecuted protestants of all na- 
tions. The affairs of the colony were committed to a 
board of twenty-one trustees, who made many wise and 
useful regulations. 

2. In January of the next year, James Oglethorpe^ 
with 113 emigrants, arrived at Charleston, and after re- 
ceiving a good supply of provisions, they proceeded south 
and settled at Savannah. The next year a large com- 
pany of poor persons arrived and commenced clearing 
up the wilderness. But the trustees finding many of 
these emigrants idle and inefficient, made liberal offers to 
any who would settle in the colony. This induced hun- 
dreds from Scotland, Germany and Switzerland to emi- 
grate. 

3. In 1638, George Whitefield, the most celebrated 
preacher of modern times, visited the colony. His bene- 
volence and piety had led him to explore the habitations 
of the poor in England, where he found hundreds of help- 
less orphan children. His object now was to establish 
an orphan asylum, in Georgia, where they might be train- 
ed up in the paths of virtue and religion. 

4. In 1740, about 2500 emigrants had settled in the 
colony. More than 1500 of these were from among the 
poor of Europe, or persecuted protestants. For their 
support the trustees had expended nearly $500,000. The 
restrictions under which the first settlers labored, made it 



1. When, by whom, and to vvhotn was the territory of Geor- 
gia granted ? For what' purpose ? 

2. When, wliere, and by wljom was tlic first settlement 
made ? 

3. Who visited the colon}- in IvuS'r 

4. What was the goveriiiuent of Georgia at first ? 



1740. SETTLEMENT OF GEORGIA. 103 

extremely difficult for them to obtain a comfortable sub- 
sistence. The government was a sort of military esta- 
blisliment, with general Oglethorpe at its head. 

5. At this time the Spaniards had possession of Florida. 
Oglethorpe, fearing that they would combine with the In- 
dians and invade C4eorgia, undertook an expedition against 
St. Augustine. This expedition proving unsuccessful, 
the Spaniards threatened to subdue Georgia, the Caroli- 
nas, and Virginia. 

6. Oglethorpe applied to South Carolina for assistance. 
But alarmed at their own danger, the people of that 
colony prepared only for their own defense. The gene- 
ral Jioping to be able to resist the enemy till aid should 
ai'rive, collected all his forces at Frederica. Soon a 
Spanish fleet arrived, and landed more than 3000 men. 

7. Oglethorpe, learning that the Spanish army was 
separated into two divisions,, determined to attack one of 
them by surprise. He advanced his troops in the night 
witliin two miles of one division; then selecting a small 
band, he advanced nearer, and, while observing the situa- 
tion of the enemy, a French soldier in his service fired 
his musket, and deserted to the Spanish camp. 

8. The general, fearing that this deserter would make 
known to the enemy his bad situation, devised a very 
happy expedient by which his little army escaped. He 
wrote a letter to this French soldier, instructing him to 
make known to the Spaniards the weakness of the Eng- 
lish forces and urge them to attack Frederica ; and that 
he should persuade them if possible, to remain on the 
island, until the expected reinforcement should arrive 



5. Why did Oglethorpe undertake an expedition against St. 
Augustine in Florida? Was it successful? What dlH the 
Spaniards do? 

G. What did Oglethorpe then do ? 

7. What occurred as lie was examining the situation of the 
enemy ? 

8. What expedient did he devise to save his httle army ? 



104 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1752. 

from South Carolina. He also cautioned him not to drop 
a word respecting the attack which a British fleet was 
preparing to make upon St. Augustine. He concluded 
by promising him a large reward for his services. 

9. The letter was sent by a Spanish prisoner, who 
promised to give it to the deserter. But instead of this 
he carried it directly to the Spanish general, which was 
just what Oglethorpe desired. The deserter was now 
supposed to be a spy, and was immediately put in irons. 
Soon after, three vessels of war appeared off the coast. 
The Spanish general supposing this to be the reinforce- 
ment spoken of in the letter, determined to attack the 
English without delay. 

10. Oglethorpe, anticipating his designs, placed a party 
of his men in ambuscade, and falUng suddenly upon the 
Spaniards, killed many, and threw them into great disor- 
der. Thus defeated, and fearing the approach of the 
reinforcement, the enemy embarked and left the coast as 
soon as possible. By these successful maneuvers, general 
Oglethorpe saved his own, and perhaps all the neighboring 
colonies. 

11. The prosperity of the colony was not estabhshed 
until 1752, when the trustees, disappointed in their ex- 
pectations, gave up their charter. The king soon after 
estabhshed a government over Georgia, similar to those 
in the other colonies. The colony now began to flourish. 
Rice and indigo were cultivated, and soon became a source 
of wealth to the planters. Peace was occasionally inter- 
rupted by the Indians of Florida, but no general war oc- 
curred for many years. 

9. What was done with this letter? What effect bad it on 
the Spanish general ? What did the Spanish general do? 

10. What was the result ? Which do you think was the best 
general, the English or the Spanish ? 

11. What took place in 1752? After this time? How is 
Georgia bounded ? Its capital ? 



l753. the FRENCH WAR. 105 

THE FRENCH WAR. 

1. The value of the western territories of this country 
^^■as well known, both to France and England, and for 
many years, was the cause of violent contentions between 
thorn. The French had settled in Canada, on the north 
of the English colonies, and in Louisiana, on the south. 
They had also explored the country along the great lakes, 
the rivers Ohio and Mississippi, and were now building a 
chain of forts through all that region, from Montreal to 
New- Orleans. They pretended that the English had no 
claim to territory west of the Alleghany mountains. 

2. The English, on the other hand, claimed the country 
stretching westward as far as the Pacific ocean, and built 
some forts and trading houses on lake Ontario and the 
Ohio river. The French formed an aUiance with nume^ 
rous tribes of Indians, and in 1753 prohibited the English 
traders from all intercourse with them. Some were seized 
and carried prisoners to Canada. In consequence of 
this, Dinwiddle, governor of Virginia, determined to send 
a remonstrance to the French governor. For this pur- 
pose, he commissioned George Washington, vv'ho had 
already given marks of future greatness, and who now 
cheerfully undertook this difficult enterprise. Though 
not yet twenty-two years of age, he traveled 400 miles, 
most of the way through a dreary v/ilderness, exposed to 
the savages, and delivered the message. 

3. The reply of the French commander was not satis- 
factory, and the next spring, Washington, at the head of 
400 men, marched against fort Du Quesne,* built near the 

1. Who laid claim to the western territories, or to the country 
west of tlie Alleghany mountains? To which do you think it 
belontjed ? 

2 Whom did governor Dinwiddie send with a message to the 
French governor ? 

3. What was done the next year ? State the result of this 
expedition. 

* Du Quay. 



106 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1755. 

place now called Pittsburgh. On his way he surprised 
and took a detachment of the enemy. Shortly after, he 
erected a fort at the Great Meadows, and was there be- 
seiged by a large French force. After a brave defense, 
being overpowered, he surrendered, and marching out with 
the honors of war, returned with his regiment to Virginia. 

4. War appearing inevitable, delegates from seven of 
the provinces met at Albany, and formed an alliance with 
the confederated Six Nations of Indians. At this meet- 
ing, a plan of union was proposed for uniting all the forces 
of the colonies. This plan provided for a general council 
of delegates from all the colonies, and for a president 
general, appointed by the king. The council was to 
propose measures, and the president was to accept or 
reject them as he chose. This plan was rejected by the 
British government, because it gave too much power to 
the colonies; and by the colonies, because it gave too 
much power to the king. 

5. Early in the spring of 1755, Gen. Winslow, with 
an army of 3000 men, left Massachusetts on an expedition 
to Nova-Scotia, which was settled by the French. He 
soon took possession of the whole country, and fearing 
that the people would revolt as soon as he left the territory, 
he determined to break up their settlements. Accord- 
ingly, the miserable inhabitants were torn from their 
homes, and transported to Boston, and afterwards scat- 
tered among the colonies. 

6. England had now determined to maintain her claims ; 



4. Delegates from how many states met at Albany ? What 
did they do? What tribes were called the Six Nations? A. 
The Mohawks, Oneidas, Seiiecas, Onondagas, Uelawares, and 
Tuscaroras. Why was their phiii rejected ? 

5. What was done in 1755? What do you think of Gen. 
Winslow's conduct in breaking up tiie settlements in Nova- 
Scotia ? 

t). What did England do? When did Braddock arrive in 
Virginia? How many expeditions were now resolved upon? 



1755. THE FRENCH WAR. 107 

and the same spring, she sent Gen. Braddock, with an 
army, to drive the French from her territories. A British 
fleet was also ordered to prevent the French from enter- 
ing the St. Lawrence. Braddock arrived in Virginia, in 
April, and in connection with the governors of the colo- 
nies, determined upon three expeditions ; one against Du 
Quesne ; another against forts Niagara, and Frontenac ; 
and a tliird against Crown Point. 

7. Braddock immediately made preparations to march 
against fort Du Quesne. After much delay, in procuring 
provisions, he set out with 1200 men, chosen from his 
army. The remainder, under Col. Dunbar, were to follow 
as soon as possible, with the stores. Braddock, as a Bri- 
tish soldier, had acquired a good degree of skill in the 
science of war, as carried on in Europe, but knew nothing 
of the modes of Indian warfare. Washington explained 
to him their mode of attack, and warned him against 
proceeding in the regular order of march. He offered 
to go before the army with a company of colonial troops, 
and scour the woods, to guard against falhng into an am- 
buscade. 

8. But the general, despising both the enemy, and the 
provincial officers, marched on in regular file. When he 
had advanced within seven miles of the French fort, pass- 
ing through a thicket of wood and long grass, a sudden 
yell and destructive fire burst upon the army from every 
quarter. The French and Indians, invisible to the Eng- 
lish, cut down their ranks with dreadful slaughter. Brad- 
dock, after five horses had been shot under him, received 
a fatal wound ; and most of his officers fell with him. 



7. Against what place did Braddock march ? Was he ac- 
quainted with the modes of Indian warfare ? What did Wash- 
ington do ? 

8. Did Braddock comply with the advice of Washington ? 
How did he proceed ? State what happened ? Would you have 
done as Braddock did? Do you always follow the advice of 
those who know what is best ? 



108 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1755. 

9. Washington and his troops were the only part of 
the army that efTectualiy resisted the enemy. The Bri- 
tish troops retreated till they met the detachment with the 
baorgage. Terrified at the fate of Braddock and his 
officers, Col. Dunbar, on whom the command now de- 
volved, marched his remaining troops to Philadelphia, 
leaving the frontier settlements to endure all the horrors 
of savage warfare. In this battle, sixty-four officers, and 
one half of the army, were either 'killed or wounded. 

10. The expedition against Crown Point was conducted 
by Gen. Johnson, with a body of New-England troops, 
I-Ie marched in the month of August, as far as lake 
George. Hearing that an army had arrived in Canada 
from France, and was marching down upon him, he 
immediately erected a fortiiication, and sent forward 1000 
men to meet the enemy. The French, perceiving their ap- 
proach, hid themselves, and fell upon the English by sur- 
prise. Colonel Wilhams, their leader, fell, and the troops 
fled to their fortifications. The enemy pursued, and after 
some delay, assailed the fort. 

11. The Enghsh recovered then- courage, and by a 
well-directed charge of their artillery, put the Indians and 
Canadians to flight. Dieskau, their commander, was 
mortally wounded. On the next day, a detachment 
coming from New-Hampshire to join general Johnson, 
surprised and defeated about 400 of the enemy. In 



9. What did Dunbar do ? How many were killed in " Brad- 
■dock's defeat ?" 

10. Describe the expedition against Crown Point? Where is 
Crown Point? Ji. On lake Champlain, in the state of New- 
York, 15 miles north of Ticonderoga, and about 100 miles north 
of Albany. This fort, so celebrated in the American wars, is 
now demolished. The town now contains about 1800 inhabi- 
tants. 

11. What was the result of the expedition against Niagara? 
What, and where was Niagara ? Ji. It was a strong fort on 
Niagara river, at its entrance into lake Ontario, 15 miles below 
the great falls. 



1756. THE FRENCH WAR. 109 

this battle, the English lost about 200 men, and the enemy 
700. Johnson would not proceed any further, and the 
expedition was abandoned. The attempt against Niagara 
was also unsuccessful. General Shirley, who had com- 
mand of the forces, was overtaken by the long rains of 
autumn, which disheartened his troops, and compelled 
him to return. 

12. During the winter some of the colonies suffered 
extremely from the barbarity of the savages. But pre- 
parations were extensively made to commence operations 
again in the spring. The failures of the last campaign 
increased the caution of the soldiers, but did not diminish 
their courage. Shirley, who now had control of affairs, 
proposed that attempts should again be made against the 
forts Du Quesne, Niagara, and Crown Point. 

13. Early in the spring of 1756, general Webb arrived 
from England, and brought intelUgence, that the king was 
displeased with the management of Shirley, but highly 
approved of the conduct of Johnson, and had conferred 
upon him distinguished honor. In July, Lord Loudon 
arrived, as commander-in-chief of all the British forces 
in America. But the season was so far advanced, and so 
great was the difficulty in procuring suppHes, that httle or 
nothing was effected. 

14. The English fort at Oswego was besieged, on the 
12th of August, by general Montcalm. On the 14th the 
English proposed terms of submission. They were 
accepted by the French, but barbarously violated as soon 
as the garrison was in their hands. Many of the British 
soldiers were delivered to the savages and horribly butch- 



12. What was done during the winter ? 

13. Who arrived in the spring? In July? 

14. What took pl;ice on ilie 12th of August, 1756 ? Where is 
Oswego ? A. A town at the mouth of the Oswego river on 
lake Ontario. This fort is still kept up, and is an important 
military post. How^ were the English treated after their sur- 
render ? 

10 



110 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1757* 

ered. General Webb, who had been sent to the assistance 
of the fort, hearing that it had ah'eady been taken, returned 
to Albany. Lord Loudon now ordered great prepara- 
tions to be made for vigorous operations in the spring. 

15. Thus another season passed away, and nothing of 
importance had been accomplished. The officers and 
troops from the colonies were evidently crippled in all 
their operations, by the sluggish movements of the British 
commanders. In 1757, the first object of the English 
was to get possession of the fort at Louisburg. For this 
purpose, 12,000 troops, and a fleet of fifteen ships, met at 
Halifax. But hearing that the French had just received a 
large reinforcement from France, they abandoned the 
enterprise. 

16. In the mean time the French were not idle. Mont- 
calm made an assault upon fort William Henry, on lake 
George. By the bravery of the garrison he was defeated. 
But shortly after, with a stronger force, he renewed the 
attempt. On account of the cruel neglect of general 
Webb to send assistance, who with an army of 4000 men 
was stationed at fort Edward, only 15 miles distant, the 
commander of the fort was compelled to submit on these 
conditions : — his men were to march out unarmed, and 
to be protected from the savages. But these conditions 
were shamefully broken. No sooner were they exposed, 
than the Indians rushed upon them, plundered and butch- 
ered without restraint. It was a horrid scene. The yells 
of the savages, the shrieks of the helpless soldiers, and 
their dying groans, rent the heavens, while the French 
looked on unmoved. 



15. What did the English attempt to do in 1757? Where i.s 
Louisburg? J]. The c.ipital of the island of Cape Breton in 
the Gulf of St. Lawrence. 

16. Who made an attack upon fort William Henry ? To 
whom is to be attributed the surrender of the fort? On vvJiat 
conditions did the garrison surrender .-■ State the massacre thai 
followed. 



1758. THE FRENCH WAR. Ill 

17. Thus sliamefuUy closed the third campaign. It 
ought to be told, to the disgrace of the British officers, that 
their jealousy and contempt for the colonial troops was 
the principal cause of all this ill success. Thousands fell a 
sacrifice to their pride and folly. The king, indignant at 
these disgraceful results, appointed a new ministry, and 
placed the celebrated William Pitt at the head of affairs. 
The aspect of things was now entirely changed. New- 
officers were appointed to command the British forces. 
New-England raised 15,000 men, and Gen. Abercrombie, 
who was now commander-in-chief, commenced the fourth 
campaign at the head of 50,000 troops. 

18. About the first of June 1758, general Amherst, 
with 14,000 soldiers, commenced the siege of Louisburg. 
On the 26th of July he took possession of the fort. About 
1500 of the French were killed and 5000 carried prison- 
ers to England. In the mean time, Abercrombie marched 
against the enemy at Ticonderoga. This fortress was 
very difficult of access. It was situated on the river be- 
tween lake George and lake Champlain. It was nearly 
surrounded by water, and strongly fortified in front. Ab- 
ercrombie maintained a severe contest of four hours, and 
after a loss of 2000 men, retreated. 

19. On the 27th of August, colonel Bradstreet, with 
3000 men, took possession of fort Frontenac on lake 
Ontario. By this exploit, he deprived the French and 
Indians of a large supply of arms and stores, besides a 
fleet of nine vessels of war which lay in the harbor. 

20. By this time, an expedition had also been made 

17. What was the cause of tlie ill success of the English ? 
Who was now placed at the head of the British ministry ? Who 
was appointed commander-in-chief: and with how many men 
did he commence the fourth campaign ? What is the meaning 
of campaign ? 

18. Describe the capture of Louisburg, — the attack on Ticon- 
deroga* Where was the fortress of Ticonderoga ? 

10. When and by whom was fort Frontenac taken ? Where 
was fort Frontenac.'' Jl. In Canada, now called Kingston. 



112 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1759. 

against fort Du Quesne, by general Forbes, with an army 
of 8000 men. After a most laborious march, he arrived 
at the fort and found it deserted. The French, fearing a 
siege, had left their post and sailed down the Ohio. Gen- 
eral Forbes, in honor of William Pitt, the prime mmister 
of England, called the place Pittsburg. This closed the 
successful campaign of 1758. This change of fortune 
must be ascribed to the energ}^ of Pitt, and to his wisdom 
in the choice of men to execute his plans. 

21. Animated by the success of the last year, Pitt 
marked out a bold plan for the entire subjugation of the 
French possessions in America. Quebec, Niagara and 
Ticonderoga were now the strong holds of the enemy. 
The English forces were recruited, and in 1759 an ex- 
pedition was commenced against each of these places. 

22. General Amherst, now commander-in-chief of the 
British army, marched against Ticonderoga and Crown 
Point, and finding both of these places deserted by the en- 
emy, he proceeded up the lake. But being met by vio- 
lent storms, he was obliged to return to Crown Point. 

23. In July, general Prideaux commenced the siege of 
the fort at Niagara. The French, to save this important 
post, rallied all their forces in that region. Prideaux* was 
killed during the siege. Sir William Jobjison, who now 
took command, observing the movements of the enemy, 
entrenched his forces and prepared for defense. The 
French, with their Indian allies, came up and made an im- 
petuous assault ; but in less than an hour, were entirely 

20. What did general Forbes do ? Why had the French left 
fort Du Quesne ? WJiat did Forbes call this place ? In honor 
of whom was it called Pittsburg? To whom must the suc- 
cess of this campaign be ascribed ? 

21. Against what places were expeditions commenced in 
1759.^ 

22. Describe the expedition of general Amherst .-^ 

23. W'ho took the command after Prideaux was killed .' 
What was the result ? 

* Prideaux, (pronounced Pn-do.) 



1759. THE FRENCH WAR. 113 

defeated. On the next day the English took possession 
of the fort. 

24. But the most glorious exploit of this year, is yet to be 
recorded. General Wolfe,* who had distinguished him- 
self at Louisburg, undertook the reduction of Quebec. 
This city stands on the north side of the St. Lawrence, 
and is strongly defended by nature. It consists of two 
parts, an upper and a lower town. The lower town is 
built on a plain, between the shore of the river and the 
base of a very steep rock, called the Heights of Abraham. 
The upper town is built on the top of this rock, which 
runs parallel with the river. The east side is protected 
by the river St. Charles, which empties into the St. Law- 
rence, and in which were floating batteries and armed 
ships. 

25. Wolfe with an army of 8000 men, landed on the 
island of Orleans, just below the city. Soon after, he 
erected batteries on the bank of the St. Lawrence, oppo- 
site the city. But so wide was the river, that his cannon 
could not produce much effect upon the forts of the ene- 
my. He now determined to cross the river, land below 
the city, and attack the French army which lay entrench- 
ed on the banks of the St. Charles. In this attempt he was 
defeated with the loss of 500 men. He next "attempted 
to destroy the shipping, but succeeded only in burning one 
magazine. 

26. Wolfe now saw that the difficulties to be encoun- 
tered were almost insurmountable. But his daring spirit 



24. Who undertook the reduction of Quebec in 1759 ? Give 
a description of Quebec ? 

25, 26. Mention some of his attempts to take Quebec. 



* James Wolf was bom in Westerham, England, in 1727. He entered young; 
into the ai-my, and soon distinguished himself as a brave ana skillful officer.— 
He was formed bj- nature for military greatness. His apprehensions were 
quick and clear, his judgment sound and his courage daring. He was manly, 
€ej>tle, kind and cojiciliating in his manners. He died in the 33rd year of his 
age. 

10* 



114 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1759. 

thirsted for the glory of victory, or death in the attempt. 
Hearing of the success of his fellow officers at Niagara, 
and Ticonderoga, and dreading the disgrace of a failure 
in his enterprise, he determined to hazard the bold attempt 
of scaling the rock, and approach the enemy in a manner 
least expected. His troops had caught the fire of their 
leader, and were ready for the most daring exploit. 

27. There was only one narrow spot between the rocks 
where it was possible to land, and ascend the Heights. 
To conceal his design, Wolfe sailed liis fleet several miles 
up the river. In the night he set his army on board of 
boats, and floated down with the stream to the place of 
landing. Wolfe was the first man on shore. His troops 
at once began to climb the rock, and by the aid of bushes 
and projecting crags they gained the summit. Here they 
found a guard which they soon subdued, and before morn- 
ing the whole army was arrayed on the plains above. 

28. Montcalm,* the French general, was amazed at this 
daring achievement, and immediately marched his army 
to meet the English. His troops were fresh and eager 
for battle. The Indians and Canadians first advanced, 
but Wolfe ordered his men to reserve their strength for the 
main body of the enemy. The battle was hot and bloody 
on both sides. After a destructive fire kept up for some 
time, Wolfe ordered his grenadiers to charge bayonet and 
rush upon the French. At this moment he received a 
mortal wound. Montcalm soon after fell, and the Frencli 
gave way and fled. 



27. In what manner did he gain the heights of Abraham? 

28. What did Montcalm then do ? Describe the battle.? 



* Louis Joseph Montcalm, Marquis of St. Vernon, was bom in France, near 
Nismes, in 1712. He was carefully educated and entered the military service in 
his 15tli year, and distinguished himself on several occasions in Italy, Bohemia 
and Germany. In 1756, he was sent to Canada as commander-in-chief of the 
French forces in America. He possessed all those qualities i-equsite to form a 
great and skillful commander. He was brave, generous, noble and compas-' 
sionate. He died in the 47th year of his age. 



1763. THE FRENCH WAR. 115 

29, Wolfe died in the triumphs of victory. In the first 
part of the battle he received a wound in the wrist ; soon 
after, anotlier more severe in the lower part of the body. 
Concealing the wounds, he cheered on his men, and was 
advancing at the head of his grenadiers, with charged bay- 
onets, when a ball pierced his breast. As he fell he was 
caught by his attendant, and carried out of the line. As he 
lay fainting in death, with liis head on the arm of another, 
« tell me," said he " do the enemy give way there ? tell 
me, for I cannot see." He now reclined his head and 
closed his eyes. Soon the distant cry, " They fly, they 
fly," aroused the expiring hero. " Who fly 1" said he. 
"The French, the French," was the reply. "Then," 
said he, "I die contented," and expired. Montcalm 
also died a glorious death. He was carried into the city, 
and before he died he wrote a letter to tlie English gen- 
eral, in behalf of the French prisoners. Just before he 
breathed his last, he remarked, " I shall not live to see the 
surrender of Quebec." 

30. The city, five days after the battle, was surrender, 
ed to the English. The next spring the French attempted 
to retake Quebec, but did not succeed. The English 
forces were all soon after directed against Montreal. On 
the 8th of September 1760, that city, with all the import- 
ant posts of the French in Canada, was delivered up to 
the English. In 1763, a treaty of peace was concluded at 
Paris, by which France relinquished all her clmms ni the 
northern parts of America. Thus ended the French 



29. How many wounds did Wolfe receive ? What were the 
last words of Wolfe ? Of Montcalm ? 

30 When was the city surrendered ? When was Montreal 
taken ? When was a treaty of peace concluded between France 
and England ? What did the French relinquish ? 



116 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1764, 

EVENTS LEADING TO THE REVOLUTION. 

1. The success of this war against the French and 
Indians relieved the colonies from all apprehensions of a 
foreign invasion, and the dread of savage hostilities. 
They felt secure under the protection of Great Britain, 
she now being mistress of the ocean, and at peace with 
the world. The troops of the colonies, during the war, 
had had a fair opportunity of comparing their own skill, 
courage and strength, with that of the bravest soldiers of 
Europe. They had proved themselves in no respect in- 
ferior in war, and by their enterprise and success in com- 
merce and trade, they had alre«,dy excited the admiration 
of the civilized world. 

2. England for many years had been growing jealous 
of the colonies, and in several instances had endeavored 
to destroy their liberties. She now commenced a course 
of manifest injustice towards them, which, instead of 
humbling them, led them to combine all their energies 
to resist her oppression. England regarded the col- 
onists not as entitled to the privileges of subjects, but 
rather as slaves, who were to toil and suffer for her ag- 
grandizement. She had, indeed, been at great expense to 
defend them against the encroachments of the French and 
Indians ; but for all this, she either had been, or soon 
would have been, amply rewarded. 

3. Soon after the war, the British government assert- 
ed the right to tax the people of America. In 1764, a 
bill was passed, imposing a heavy duty on certain goods 
imported into the colonies. The principle of taxation was 

1. Of what were the colonies relieved by the successful termina- 
tion of the French war? What is said of Great Britain at this 
time? How did the American troops compare witli those of 
Europe? What is said of their enterprise in commerce? 

2. How did England feel towards the colonies? How did 
phe begin to treat them ? 

3. What right did the British government claim soon after the 
war ? What did they do in 1764 ? 



1765. EVENTS LEADING TO THE REVOLUTION. 117 

considered by the Americans as altogether unconstitu- 
tional and unjust. They were not permitted to send rep- 
resentatives to parhament to plead their cause ; and there- 
fore, according to the English law, they could not be 
justly taxed. 

4. The next year the celebrated ^^ stamp act" was 
passed. This bill required that every piece of paper or 
parchment, which was used in the transaction of business, 
should have a stamp upon it, and that for every such 
piece, a tax greater or less, should be paid to government. 
This bill was very strongly opposed by some members 
of parliament, especially by colonel Bane, who, knowing 
the spirit of the colonists, made an eloquent speech 
against it. But it passed by an almost unanimous vote. 

5. When the news arrived in America, the people were 
iilled with grief and indignation. Riots broke out in the 
cities, and the stamp act was exhibited as " the folly of 
England and the ruin of America." The bells were 
muffled and tolled " the knell of freedom." Combina- 
tions styling themselves " sons of liberty," were formed to 
resist the enforcement of this obnoxious law. The general 
assemblies protested against it ; addresses and appeals 
were made to the people of England, showing the injus- 
tice of the law, and praying that it might be repealed. 
The officers of the British government were objects of 
popular hatred, and most of them were compelled to dis- 
regard the stamp law, or resign their offices. 

6. In October, agreeably to a recommendation of 
Massachusetts, delegates from nine of the colonies met 

4. What famous act was passed in 1765? 

5. What effect had the "stamp act" oii tho colonies? What 
did the people do? 

6. Wlien,ai)d where was the first congress, or general meeting 
of the colonies held? Which of the colonies sent delegiites? 
.4. Masssachusetts, Rhode-lsiland, Connecticut, New-York, New- 
Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and South Carolina. 
What did they do ? To what extent was the stamp act opposed? 
-5. Probably not a single stamp was ever used in tiie colonies. 



118 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1765. 

in congress at New- York, to consult for the general 
safety. They passed an act, declaring their rights and 
liberties as lawful subjects of Great Britain. They re- 
monstrated against the stamp act, and petitioned for its im- 
mediate repeal. The merchants of that city entered into 
agreement not to import any more goods from England, 
till the stamp act was repealed. In all parts of the coun- 
try the people gave up imported goods, and used home 
manufactures. They even abstained from eating lamb> 
that the growth of wool might be increased. 

7. But a change had now taken place in England. 
The people of that country began to feel the bad effects 
of this check upon their trade with America, and a pro- 
position was made in parliament to repeal the stamp act. 
William Pitt, who was not present when the act was 
passed, made a powerful speech in favor of repealing it. 
He declared that England had "no right" to tax the 
colonies. The act was repealed. The news caused 
universal joy throughout America. Bells were rung, 
cannon were fired, and festivals were held. 

8. But in repealing the stamp act, the Britisli govern- 
ment by no means intended to give up the principle of 



7. Was there any opposition to the stamp act in England? 
A. There was. Many articles were written and pnblisljed, 
showing the injustice of tlie act. Many speakers in both houses 
of parliament, denied tlioir light of taxing the colonies. Lord 
Camden, in the house of Lords, in strong hinguage, said ; — " My 
position is this, — I repeat it, — I will maintain it to my last hour, 
Taxation and REPRKSE^•TATIO^f are isseparable. This 
position is founded on the laws of nature. It is more. It is itself 
nn eternal law of nature. For whatever is a man's own, is ab- 
solutely his own. No man has a right to take it from him wJtli- 
out his own consent. Whoever attempts to do it, attempts an 
injury. Whoever does it, commits a robbery." WhatdidWm. 
Pitt say ? Was the act repealed.^ What effect had this news 
on the colonies ? 

8. What was done in 17G7? What did the people of Massa- 
chusetts do.' What British general was ordered to Boston with 
a regiment of troops .' 



1773. EVENTS LEADING TO THE REVOLUTION. 119 

taxation in every form. In 1767, a duty was imposed 
on tea, glass, and other articles. The colonies again 
took the alarm, and manifested their indignation as before. 
The people of Massachusetts sent delegates to Boston, to 
consult with the citizens of that place, upon measures 
for resisting the king and parliament. The citizens of 
Boston had already incurred the displeasure of his ma- 
jesty, and general Gage was now ordered to repair to 
that place, with a regiment of troops to protect the public 
officers, and quell all disturbances. 

9. The soldiers arrived, and were stationed in different 
parts of the city. Their insolence often excited the 
people to resistance, and instead of subduing the spirit 
of liberty, daily increased it. On the 5th of March, 
1770, a riot took place, during which, a party of soldiers 
being insulted, fired upon the citizens, killed three, and 
wounded several others. The next day they were ar- 
rested and imprisoned. This event was afterwards com- 
memorated as the Boston Massacre. At the demand of 
the citizens, the troops were removed from the cit}-. 
The dead were buried with great pomp and solemnity. 
Soon after, the soldiers were br'ought to trial, and two of 
them found guilty of manslaughter. 

10. To appease the people of the colonies, parliament 
repealed all the duties except that on tea. But America 
was not to be satisfied, so long as the principle of taxation 
was not renounced. The value of a few pence, on a pound 
of tea, was not what she contended for. The right to 
take one penny, implied the right to take a thousand. 
The colonies denied the right. Tea, therefore, was at 
once banished from the tables of all, both rich and poor, 
who regarded the liberties of their country. 

11. For two or three years no tea was imported into 
tlie colonies. In 1773, the government of England de- 



9. Wliat took piiico on iJie 5tli of Marcli, 1770 ? 

10. What did Parliaiiietit do to ii|ipensc the colonists? Why 
were not the people satislied.-' 



120 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 



1773, 



termined to force this article into their ports. Accord- 
ingly the East India company was directed to send 
several cargoes of tea to America. The people of New- 
York and Philadelphia would not suffer the tea to be 
brought ashore. At Boston, the masters of the ships 
met with such violent opposition, that they would gladly 
have returned to England immediately, but the king's 
governor would not permit them to leave the port. 

12. At a large meeting of the citizens, it was resolved, 
that " the tea should not be landed." One night a party 
of men, dressed in the garb of Indians, went on board 
the ships, broke open the chests, and poured all the tea 




into the ocean. This bold exploit exasperated the king 
and parliament ; and to humble the Bostonians, they 
passed an act to blockade the port, break up their trade, 
and remove the custom-house to Salem. 



It, Did they continue llie use of tea ? What took place in 
1773? What did the people of N. York and Philadelphia dor 

12. What was done by the peoplt? of Boston ? Did they do 
right in throwing the tea oveiboard? What did the king and 
parliament now do ? 



1774. EVENTS LEADING TO THE REVOLUTION. 121 

13. This act, called the Boston Port Bill, produced 
great distress in Boston, as it at once deprived the greater 
part of the population of their usual means of subsistence. 
But the inhabitants soon found, that the whole country 
were sympathising with them. Contributions were raised 
in other places, for the relief of all who were thrown out 
of business by this bill. The people of Salem refused 
to take the trade of their " suffering neighbors," and gave 
up their wharves and store-houses, for the relief of the 
Boston merchants. 

14. In Virginia, a day of fasting and prayer was ob- 
served. It was devoutly implored, that God would give 
to the people one heart and one mind, firmly to oppose 
every invasion of American rights. It was a serious 
time. The people in all parts of the country united in a 
" Solemn League and Covenant," to break off all inter- 
course with Great Britain. All seemed actuated by an 
invincible spirit of patriotism and love of hberty. A 
few, however, favored the cause of England. These 
were called tories, while those who favored the cause of 
American rights, were called ivhlgs. The lovers of 
liberty had no hope of success against the military force 
of England ; but they did hope, that continued resistance 
would lead her to yield the claims of justice. 

15. Yet the colonies now determined to prepare for a 
united and desperate struggle. On the 5th of September 
1774, delegates from all the provinces, except Georgia, 



13. What was this act called ? How were the Bostonians 
regarded by the people of the country ? Was not this act di- 
rectly calculated to benefit the people of Salem? What was 
their conduct ? 

14. What was done in Virginia.'' What did the people do in 
all parts of the country .'* What two parties were now formed .' 
Who were called tories .'' Who were called whigs.'' 

15. What did the colonies now determine to do.'' When and 
where did a provincial congress meet ? From what provinces 
did delegates attend ? Who was chosen president of this coa- 
gress i* A. John Hancock. What did this congress do ? 

11 



122 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1774. 

met in congress at Philadelphia. Their deliberations 
were secret. Nothing was to be made public without a 
vote of congress. They insisted on the rights of the 
colonies, and resolved to break off all trade with Great 
Britain, until these rights were acknowledged. They 
sent addresses to the king and people of England, ex- 
pressing a warm attacliment to the mother country, and 
declaring, that they desired nothing, which, as loyal sub- 
jects, they had not a right to claim. After a session of 
eight weeks, having recommended a meeting of another 
congress the next year, they dissolved. 

16. Their addresses displayed so much force of argu- 
ment, so much knowledge of politicsii science, and so 
much glowing patriotism, that a strong impression was 
made in favor of their cause. In the British senate, Mr. 
Pitt made a most eloquent speech in behalf of Ameri'^a. 
He spoke in the highest terms of the wisdom and dignity 
of the congress at Philadelphia. 

17. In all the colonies, the enactments and resolutions 
of congress were observed with the utmost respect and 
obedience. Every preparation was now making for war. 
Military stores, arms, ammunition, &c. were provided in 
all the colonies. The people began to train themselves 
in the use of the sword and musket. Massachusetts, 
especially, pursued a decided course in opposition to the 
governor, and in preparation for conflict. 

18. General Gage, who had been appointed governor 
by the king, took possession of all the fortifications around 
Boston. An army was quartered in the city, ready to 
march at any moment, according to his orders. But with 
all this array of force, he could not suppress the combi- 
nations of the people. An assembly was called, consist- 

16. What effect did their addresses produce ? 

17. What did the people begin to do P 

18. Who was now appointed Governor of Massachusetts by 
the king? What was called in Massachusetts at this time.'* 
W^hat measures were taken by this assembly ? 



1774. WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 123 

ing of delegates from all the towns in the province. 
Measures were taken to raise an army of 12,000 men, 
and a strong force was kept in readiness to march at a 
moment's \varning. 

19. Matters were now fast approaching to a serious 
crisis. Nothing had been done in England to satisfy the 
colonies. The Americans were reproached in parlia- 
ment as " cowardly, undisciplined, feeble," &c. It was 
evident, too, from the strong force which had already 
arrived from England, that she designed to compel the 
colonists to submit to her unjust laws. But the Ameri- 
cans, except a small party, who were courting the favor 
of the king, were united and firm in their determination, 
weak as they were, to maintain their rights against the 
strongest nation in the world. 



WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 

1. At Concord, the colonists, by authority from the 
provincial congress, had collected a quantity of provisions 
and military stores. Tliese, General Gage resolved to 
destroy. For this purpose, he despatched from Boston, 
a body of 800 troops on the evening of the 18th of April. 
News of this design was immediately sent to Lexington 
and Concord, and early next morning the militia of those 
towns had assembled in arms for defense. Bells and 
signal guns, soon spread the alarm. When the British 
troops came to Lexington, they found the militia assem- 
bled near the meeting house. Major Pitcairn, commander 



19. What was now evident ? What is said of tlie Ameri- 
cans ? 

1. What liad the people collected at the town of Concord ? 
Where is Concord? A. It is 18 miles north-west of Boston? 
How many did General Gage send to destroy these stores? 
Why did lie wish to destroy them ? Did these troops meet with 
any opposition r Where? Where is Lexington ? A. It is II 
miles Norlh-West of Boston. Describe the battle of Lexington. 



124 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1775. 

of the British, rode up to them and cried with a loud voice, 
" Disperse, disperse, you rebels ; throw down your arms 
and disperse." His orders not being obeyed, he dis- 



BATTLE OF LEXINGTON. 

charged his pistol, and commanded his men to fire upon 
them. After returning a few shots, the militia fled. Tliis 
was the first battle in the war of the revolution. 

2. The British proceeded to Concord, and destroyed 
the military stores. But the militia of the neighboring 
towns were fast collecting, and they were obliged to retreat 
with all possible haste. But they did not escape without 
a galHng fire, pouring in upon them from beliind the 
fences, trees, and stone walls, along the road. When 
they arrived at Lexington, exhausted by their march, they 
were saved from total destruction, by Lord Percy, who, 
with 900 men and two pieces of cannon, had been sent 
from Boston to meet them. 

3. On their way to Boston, they were incessantly lia- 

2. What did the British now do? After this what were they 
oblic^ed to do ? Describe their return to Boston. 



1775. AVAR OF THE rtEVOLUTIOX. 125 

rassed by the provincials, who kept up a vvell directed 
iire from both sides of tlie road. Daring tlie day the 
British lost 273 men ; the loss of the Americans was 
88 killed and wounded. Shortly after this batde, Colonel 
Ethan Allen* of Vermont, and Colonel Benedict Arnoldf 
of Connecticut, at the head of a company of volunteers, 
marched against the forts at Ticonderoga and Crown 
Point. 

4. On the night of the 10th of May, 1775, while the gar- 



3. How many did die Britisli lose in thf;ir excursion to Con- 
cord ? How many the Americans? What expedition was 
undertaken shortly after the bailie of Lexington ? 

* Ethan Allen was boin in Roxbia y, Litclifald county, Connecticut. At 
rii early affe, he emigrated to Verniont, and alioiit 1770, lie' took an nctive part 
in favor of the " Grreen Mountain Hoys," as the settlers were then called, iji 
opposition to the government of Xew-York. Wlien called to take tlie field, he 
showed himself an able leader and an inti\ pid soldier. The same year that 
he took 'l"icon(leros:a, he was taken prisoner nvav Montreal, in an attempt to 
reduce tliat city. He was i:ow placed in irons -.ind sent to England, viui an 
assurance, that he would meet with a halter on his arrival there. He was, how- 
ever, alter a few montl)s, broug;ht back to Halifax ; and after beinjj kejjt there 
five months, he was remo\ed to I^ew-York. I-le was kept a pjisosier here one 
year and a half, and tin n exchanp^ed for Colonel Cam{>be!l. Wliile a prisoner 
at New-York, as he was standing on the deck oiie daj , a British oiTicei- said to 
him, " Allen, if you w ill quit^the '• j-ebel xcrv/ce''' and join ns, we vi'd give 
you ail tlie land jou can sei-off tiiere, in New-Jt rsc)." "• You makenie think," 
said Allen, "of anaceonnt I read in a good old book thnt I have r.t hrme, how 
the Devil once promised our Saviourall the kin<jdomsof theeaith,if hewouhl 
fall down and Worship him ; w lien the rascally old knave did nut own a foot of 
land in creation." He returned to Vermont in 1778, and died at his estate iu 
Colchester. 

t Benedict Arnold, at the commencement of the war, lived in Xew-Kave.>. 
There is some doubt as regards the place of his biitli. He embraced, with 
enthusiasm, the cause of the colonies, and, on account of his daring- courage, 
vas at once promoted tocfHce in the })roviiicial army. He exhibited i^reat skill 
and bravery in many of the battles in which he was engaged. In his marches 
and attacks, he usnniiy acted on the maxim, " In war, expedition is equivalent 
to strength." He often surprised the enemy by llie boldness of his plans, anrt 
the rapidity of his movements. His daring courage may excite our admiration, 
but his character presents little to be commended- He w as vicious, extrava- 
j^ant, cruel, v^in, fickle, luxurious, and me;\n. Afler he had turned traitor to 
his country, and joined the Hiitish, he committed the most enormous barbari- 
ties. On a certain occasimi, he inquired of an American capt.iin whom he had 
taken prisoner, " What do you suppose tlie Americans would do with me it I 
should fall into their hands?"'' '' They would cut olf the leg," replied the offi- 
cer, " that was wounded while you were fighting the battles <.f freedom, and 
bury it with the honors of \xar, and ihen hang theiemainder of your body in 
gibbets." After tlie close of the war, he went to England and received 10.000 
l)ounds sterling, as a reward for his villainy. He died in Loudon iu 18C1, de- 
tested by all who knew him. 



126 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1775. 

risen were asleep, Allen arrived at Ticonderoga, and 
demanded the fort. " By what authority ?" cried the 
commander. " I demand it," said he, " in the name of 
the Great Jehovah, and of the Continental Congress." 
The garrison at once submitted. Soon after, Crown Point 
was taken without resistance. In these forts, the Ameri- 
cans found more than a hundred pieces of cannon, and a 
large quantity of other military stores. 

5. The noise of war soon alarmed all the colonies. 
Many had not expected open hostilities. But the blow 
was no sooner struck, than they all resolved to join heart 
and hand with New-England in the desperate struggle. 
In May, congress again assembled at Philadelphia. John 
Hancock of Massachusetts was chosen president. A 
petition was sent to the king, and an address to the people 
of England. Yet vigorous measures were employed to 
sustain the war. Articles of confederation were adopted 
under the title of the united colonies. They voted to 
raise an army of 20,000 men, and appointed George 
Washington, who was one of the delegates from Virginia, 
commander-in-chief of the American forces. 

6. A solemn declaration showing the causes and ne- 
cessity of taking up arms, was prepared by congress, to 
be read before the army and the people of the colonies, clos- 
ing as follows : " Our cause is just, our union is perfect. 
Our internal resources are great, and if necessary, foreign 
assistance, undoubtedly, may be obtained. With hearts 
fortified by these animating reflections, we most solemnly 
declare, that the arms we have been compelled by our 

4. In wljose nama did Allen demand a surrender of the fort? 
When was Crown Point taken ? What did they find in these 
forts? 

5. When did congress again assemble ? Under what title did 
they enter into arlicies of confederation ? How large an army 
did they vote to raise ? Who was appointed commander-in- 
chief of the American forces ? 

6. What did congress prepare to be read to the army and peo- 
ple? 



1775. WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 127 

enemies to asssume, we will, in defiance of every hazard, 
with unabating firmness and perseverance, employ for the 
preservation of our hberties ; being with one mind re- 
solved to die freemen, rather than to live slaves." 

7. The troops of New-England were already in arms, 
and had besieged the British army in Boston. The 
heights of Charlestown, Breed's liill, and Bunker hill, 
command the city. The Americans, having received 
information that the enemy intended to occupy these 
heights, and advance into the country. Col. Prescott was 
sent in the evening of the 16th of June, to take possession 
of Bunker hill. Finding, on liis arrival, that, though this 
hill was the most commanding position, it v/as too far 
from the enemy to annoy their shipping and army, he 
determined to fortify Breed's hill, which is nearer the city, 
and began the work soon after midnight. 

8. Early in the morning, the British discovered the 
works of the Americans, and immediately opened upon 
them an incessant fire from the ships in the harbor, and 
from then' fortifications on the Boston side. The roar 
of cannon soon alarmed the inhabitants of the city and 
adjacent towns, and before noon the steeples, the roofs of 
the houses, and all the surrounding hills were crowded 
with anxious spectators, who were awaiting with deep and 
silent emotion, the event of the day. As nothing was 
effected by the cannon of the British, about 3,000 regular 
soldiers were landed, and arrayed at the foot of the hill. 

9. They advanced to the charge in two divisions, under 



7. What heights command the city of Boston ? What was 
Colonel Prescott ordered to do on the evening of the 16th of 
June ? Did he do as he was ordered ? Why not ? 

8. What did the British do on the morning of the 17th of 
June ? Describe the battle of Breed's hill ; or as it is usually 
<;alled, Bunker hill. 

9. What did General Putnam tell the American soldiers, as 
the British were advancing to the first attack f A. *' Boys," 
said he, *' keep cool, don't fire a gun till you can see the white 
of iheir eyes,— and then, bore it into them." 



128 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



1775. 



the command of Generals Hov/e and Pigot. The Ame- 
ricans, prompted by the boldness and zeal of General 
Putnam, and other brave officers, were eager for the 
combat. But they reserved their fire till the enemy were 
within a few rods of the breastwork, and then opened 




BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL. 

upon them with terrible fury. The British fell by hun- 
dreds ; their ranks were broken, and the whole line fled 
in confusion. The officers, fearing the disgrace of a 
defeat, rallied their troops and urged them on at the point 
of their swords. Again they were repulsed with groat 
carnage. The sure ain:i of the provincials cut down the 
British officers, so that General Howe, deserted by his 
flying troops, was now left almost alone on the field. 

10. At this moment, General Clinton, who was watch- 
ing the progress of the battle from Boston, considering 
the honor of the British nation at stake, immediately 
crossed over, and with great difficulty, led up the troops 



10, What distinguished general fell in this battle 



1775. WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 129 

to a third charge. The provincials met them again with 
undiminished courage ; but their powder being exhausted, 
and having no bayonets, they fought with the butt end of 
their muskets. After a bloody contest, in which the 
brave General Warren fell, the Americans retreated down 
their entrenchments, wliich were exposed to the raking 
fire of the British ships. 

11. Meanwliile General Pigot had attacked the Ame- 
ricans at Charlestown, a beautiful village near Breed's 
hill. At first he was routed ; but being strengthened by 
fresh troops, he advanced again with so much force, that 
the provincials fled. The English then, in wanton rage, 
set fire to the town. In the midst of the battle on the 
hill, 600 houses were wrapt in flames, which added an 
awful subHmity to the scene of the day. 

12. In this memorable battle, the English lost, out of 
3,000, more than 1,000 men. The Americans had only 
1,500 in the contest, and their loss was about 450. 
Though they were defeated, it was considered a glorious 
defeat. They had met England's bravest troops, and 
had shown them, that Americans were neither " cowardly 
nor feeble." Thousands awaited the event of the strug- 
gle, with the most painful solicitude. 

13. Hostihties had also commenced in the southern 
colonies. Lord Dunmore, governor of Virginia, forcibly 
seized a quantity of military stores belonging to the 
colony. Patrick Henry,* with a company of militia, 

11. Describe tlie burning of Charlestown. 

12. What was the loss of the English in tlie battle of Bunker 
hill ? The loss of the Americans ^ 

13. What did Lord Dunmore do ? A. John Murray Dunmore 
was the last governor of Virginia appointed by tlie king. In his 
zeal to assist the English, he tried to injure the colony by all the 
means in his power, and acted the part of a pirate and plunderer. 
He died in England 1809. Who proceeded against hmi .-' Did 
ihey get the stores .'' 

* Patrick Henr)-, a most eloquent orator, was born in Virginia in 1736. He 
was the first man that proposed to the colonies hostile measurt-s against Great 
Biitaiiu Ou a certain occasion, as he was speaking in the assembly of Virgi- 



130 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1775. 

proceeded against him, and demanded the stores, or their 
value in money. The money was immediately paid. 
To strengthen his forces, Dunmore basely offered free- 
dom to all slaves who would take up arms against their 
masters, and join the royal party. Not long after, a body 
of liis black and white troops assembled at Yorktown, 
and attacked the colonists. But the royalists were soon 
defeated, and Dunmore was obliged to leave the city. 
Soon after, he ordered Norfolk to be set on fire, by which 
a large amount of property was destroyed. 

14. Similar scenes occurred in the Carolinas. The 
people of South Carolina, being in want of ammunition, 
twelve persons, authorized by the committee of supplies, 
sailed from Charleston, and captured a British vessel 
near St. Augustine, with 15,000 pounds of powder on 
board. About the same time the people of Georgia, 
who had now joined the confederacy, seized a vessel lately 
arrived from London with 13,000 pounds of powder, and 
other stores. The same year four other vessels laden 
with military stores for the British army, were captured 
by Captain Manly, of New-England. These stores were 
of vast importance to the Americans, who had not then 
the means of manufacturing extensively the munitions of 
war. Before the close of the vear, consrress voted to 
build immediately thirteen ships of war. Thus was 
commenced the American navv. 



14. By whom was a British vessel taken near St. Augustine ? 
How much powder was there on board .'' What did the Geor- 
gians do ? How many vessels were taken during the year ? 

nia, respectiiiE; the oppressive and aibitraiy measures of the British govern- 
ment towards America, he became much excited, and in the warmth of his 
feelings, added, " Casar had his Brutus,— Charles the first, his Cromwell,— 
and George the third"—" Treason," cried the speaker—" treason, treason," 
was echoed from every part of the house. Heni-y faltered not for an instant, 
but taking a loftier attitude, and fixing on the sjjeaker an eye of fire, he 
finished his sentence with the firmest emphasis, "• maij firofit b>j t/ieir ex-a7nple. 
If this be treason, make tlie most of it." He was the tirst governor of Virginia 
after the declaration of Independence, and a member of the old congress. Hu 
was a natural orator of the highest order. He died 1779, aged 63. 



1775. WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 131 

15. The colonists soon turned their attention to Canada. 
The people of that province were mostly of French ori- 
gin, and though they had been earnestly solicited by 
congress, they had not taken any part in the opposition 
against the British government. Fearing an invasion 
from that quarter. General Montgomery,* with an army 
of 1,000 men, was sent to take possession of the for- 
tresses, and induce, if possible, the inhabitants of Canada 
to join in the war against Great Britain. 

16. He landed at St. Johns on the 10th of September, 
and soon after, commenced a siege of the fort. A small 
detachment was sent against fort Chamblee, a few miles 
above ; which defeated the garrison, and took possession 
of six tons of powder, and a quantity of other stores found 
in the fort. St. Johns was also surrendered shortly after. 
On the 12th November, Montgomery marched against 
Montreal, which immediately submitted. Quebec was 
now the only remaining strong-hold in Canada. 

17. To assist Montgomery in the reduction of that 
place. Colonel Arnold had been sent from Boston. In 
ascending the Kennebec river, and marching through the 
dismal wilderness, his troops endured the severest hard- 
ships. To escape the horrors of starvation, one whole 
division was obliged to return. Arnold arrived opposite 
Quebec two days after the surrender of Montreal. Such 
was the consternation of the inhabitants, that could he 



15. To what did the colonists soon turn their attention? Who 
was sent with an artny to Canada? 

16. Where did he land ? What was the result ? What other 
fort was taken? How much powder was found in the fort? 
What city did he take? 

17. Who was sent to as.«ist Montgomery in taking Quebec? 



* Richard Montgomery, a major-preneral in the array of the United States, 
was born in tlje north of Ireland in 1737. He served under Wolfe at Quebec 
in 1?59 ; hut on liis return to P<ngland, he left his reg'iment and removed to 
America, and settled in the colony of New- York. His military talents were 
great. His measures were taken with judgment and executed with ability. 



132 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1775. 

have crossed the St. Lawrence without delay, he might 
probably have taken immediate possession of the city. 

18. After a few days, he was enabled to procure boats 
and cross the river. Finding the garrison of Quebec 
prepared to oppose him, he sailed up the river and scaled 
the cragged heights of Abraham, where the gallant Wolfe 
had ascended with his victorious army. Arnold, unpre- 
pared alone to commence a siege, was soon joined by 
Montgomery. Their united forces were not more than 
1,000 men. Three strong garrisons had been detached 
from Montgomery's army, to fortify each of the forts 
which he had taken. They began the siege, which con- 
tinued for a month without any prospect of success. 

19. They now resolved upon a desperate assault. To 
conceal their real design, two divisions were sent to 
alarm the upper town, while Arnold and Montgomery 
commenced a violent attack upon the opposite sides of 
the lower town. Before light on the morning of Decem- 
ber 31st, the signal was given, and the troops rushed 
forward to the charge, amidst a violent snow storm, which 
concealed them from the sight of the enemy. The 
guard of the first barrier fled, and while Montgomeiy 
was forcing his way over piles of ice, and a picket fence, 
one of the guard ran back, and seizing a match, dis- 
charged a cannon, and killed Montgomery and two other 
valuable officers. The troops at once retreated. 

20. On the other side of the town the battle was more 
furious. Arnold was wounded in the leg on the first as- 
sault. But his troops under captain Morgan pressed on 
beyond the first barrier, scaled the battery, and made the 
guard prisoners. Bewildered amidst the darkness and 
snow, they rested until fight ; when they advanced against 
the second barrier. While attempting to scale the bar- 

18. Describe their attempts to take the city. 

19. Describe the death of Montgomery. 

20. Describe the battle on the other side of the town. Where 
was Arnold wounded i* What was the result of the battle .'' 



1776. WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 133 

ricade, they were repulsed with great slaughter by the in- 
cessant fire of the British garrison. Benumbed with cold 
and unable to retreat, some were obliged to surrender. 

21. Not less than 400 men were lost in this engage- 
ment. The death of Montgomery was universally la- 
mented. The most powerful speakers in the British 
parliament, displayed their eloquence in praising liis vir- 
tues, and lamenting liis fall. Arnold, with the remainder 
of the army, continued the blockade. Thus far the 
Americans had experienced terrible hardships. During 
the siege, the small-pox broke out in the camp. Many 
were very poorly clad for a severe winter. Far from 
their affectionate famihes, amid sickness, want, and cold, 
the soldiers sighed for the comforts of the domestic fire- 
side. But their love of hberty carried them through the 
struggle. 

22. As soon as the condition of the northern army was 
known to congress, large supplies and additional forces 
were ordered on to Quebec. But early in the spring of 
1776, the British army was greatly strengthened by a 
reinforcement from England. In May, the whole force 
at Quebec was estimated to be 13,000 men. General 
Thomas, who had been appointed to succeed Montgom- 
-ery, arrived on the first of May. But he found himself 
at the head of less than 2,000 men, more than half of 
whom were sick or unfit for duty. 

23. He was attacked, soon after, and the sick and 
stores of his camp were taken by the Enghsh. The 
sick however were kindly treated, and when they reco- 
vered, were released. The Americans now retreated on 



21. How many were lost? What did Arnold do? What 
was the situation of his soldiers? 

22. What did congress do ? What force had the British at 
Quebec in May 1776 ? V\ ho succeeded Montgomery ? 

23. With what did general Thomas die ? Who succeeded 
him ? What happened at the Cedars ? When was Canada de- 
serted by the Americans ? 

12 



134 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1776. 

their way to New- York. General Thomas was seized 
with the small-pox, and died ; and General Sullivan suc- 
ceeded to the command. About this time, at a place 
called the Cedars, forty miles above Montreal, a detach- 
ment of American troops was attacked by a party of the 
enemy, mostly Indians. Owing to the cowardice or bad 
management of colonel Bedell, and major Butterfield, 
about 500 of the troops were lost. By the 18th of June, 
1776, Canada was entirely deserted by the Americans. 

24. General Washington, soon after his appointment to 
the command of the army, repaired to Boston. He found 
the troops almost destitute of means necessary for a vig- 
orous siege, and very poorly supplied with clotliing and 
provisions. His first object was to render the army com- 
fortable, and furnish a good supply of arms and ammu- 
nition. But notwithstanding his constant exertions night 
and day for several months, he was not able to procure 
the necessary supplies. 

25. Another more serious difficulty he had to contend 
with. Many of the American soldiers had enlisted only 
for a short time, and when their time expired, left the 
service. A new army was formed. Against many dis- 
couragements, he contended till spring without an attack 
upon the city. His regular force now amounted to- 
14,000 men, besides 6,000 militia of Massachusetts. 
Wasliington had several times proposed to a council of 
war, an assault upon the enemy. But his plans were re- 
jected. 

26. About the first of March, he commenced a severe 
cannonade upon the city. On the night of the 4th a de_ 



24. What is said of General Washington ? In what condition 
did he find the army ? What was his first object ? What diffi- 
culties had he to contend with ? 

25. What was his regular force ? 

26. What were his first attempts to drive the enemy out of the 
city ^ What was done on the 4th of March t How did this ef- 
fect the British ^ What was the result ^ 



1776. WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 135 

tachment took possession of Dorchester Heights, and be- 
fore morning threw up a line of fortifications which 
threatened both the town and the enemy's ships in the 
harbor. The British beheld with amazement these ex- 
tensive works, wliich had sprung up in a single night. 
Three thousand troops were immediately ordered to em- 
bark against them. But a violent storm prevented the 
boats from proceeding. Howe, the British general, now 
found it necessary to leave the city without delay. 

27. On the 17th of March, the v/hole British army set 
sail for Hahfax, and Washington with his army entered 
Boston in triumph. This event produced a thrill of joy 
throughout the country. Congress passed a vote of 
thanks to Washington and his troops. Suspecting that the 
enemy had repaired to New- York, the army left Boston 
for that city. 

28. The next important event was an attack upon 
Charleston, South Carolina, June 28th, by a British fleet 
under Sir Peter Parker. As the fleet was attempting to 
pass the fort on Sullivan's Island, the garrison under the 
command of Colonel Moultrie opened a terrible fire up on 
it. After a hot engagement of ten hours, in which the 
ships were severely shattered, the British left the harbor. 
They lost more tlian 200 men, while the loss of the 
Americans was only thirty-two. In honor of the com- 
mander of the fort, it was afterwards called fort Mouhrie. 

29. The thirteen colonies'^ were now all in arms against 



27. When did Washington enter liie city ? Where did the 
army soon repair? 

28. What was the next important event ? What happened 
when tlie fleet were attempting to pass the fort on Sullivan's Isl- 
and ? What was the lesultr What was this fort afterwards 
called ? Why ? 



* The thirteen colonies that united in declaring their independence, were, 
New-Hampshire, Massiichusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New-York, Kew- 
Jersej;, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Korth-Carolina, South- 
Carolina and Georgia. 



136 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1776. 

the mother country. Hitherto they had contended only 
for their just rights as loyal subjects of Great Britain. 
But now they were forced to contend, as independent 
states, against a foreign foe. A motion for declaring 
their independence was therefore made in congress, by 
Richard Henry Lee of Virginia. After a full discussion 
and some warm opposition, it was carried by a unanimous 
vote. The Declaration of Independence was adopted, 
signed by all the members of congress, and pubhshed to 
the world on the 4th of July 1776. It was received in 
all the colonies with joy and public celebration. The na- 
tion now assumed the title of the United States of 
America. 

29. How many of the colonies liad taken up arms: Who 
proposed in Congress a declaration of Independence ? When 
was the declaration of Independence adopted .-' Why do we cel- 
ebrate the 4th of July ? How many years since ouu indepeno- 
KSCE wasdeciaied i' 



HISTORY OF THE UJ^ITED STATES. 




SITUATION OF THE COUNTRY, A. D. 1776. 



PERIOB III. 

Comprises ilie events that occurred from the Declaration 
of Independence to the adoption of the Federal Consti- 
tution, or present system of government. 

1. At the commencement of this period^ the condition 
of the countr}^ was in the highest degree interesting. The 
progress of improvement had changed the forest and the 
glen into fruitful fields, and flourishing towns had sprung 
up on every side. The white population had increased 



What events does period 3rd embrace ? 

1 What was the condition of the country at this time? VVJiat 
was the population .' What was the etlect of the declaration i 
12* 



138 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1776. 

to about three millions. The luxury and wealth of the 
old world was fast becoming the portion of the new. But 
a spirit of freedom and bold enterprize characterized the 
whole people. The Declaration of Independence, while 
it frightened the cautious and the timid, nerved all with 
an energy of purpose, which alone prepared them for the 
conflict. The attitude of the nation excited the admi- 
ration of all Europe ; and every stranger was ready to 
predict our speedy downfall, before the overwhelming 
force of our tyrannical oppressors. But the gracious 
Providence of heaven had ordered otherwise. 

2. About the first of July, a large British fleet arrived 
in the harbor of New- York. An army of 24,000 men, 
many of whom were Hessians from Germany, were land- 
ed, and well equipped for active operations. The Amer- 
ican army was in a very bad state to meet such a force. 
It numbered about 27,000 men, but a large part were 
sick, and the militia, though full of ardor, were but poorly 
armed. General Putnam, with 15,000 men, erected for- 
tifications on Brooklyn Heights. Washington, with the 
remainder of the army was in, or near, the citv of New- 
York. 

3. The English landed their forces on Long.Island, 
and commenced a march against Putnam. The armies 
were separated by a range of woody hills, which 
could be passed without difficulty, only at three places. 
Putnam had stationed a strong guard at each of these 
passes. But the British surprised them by night, passed 
the defiles, and commenced an attack the next morning, 
Aus. 27th. The American line was broken, and one de- 



2. What took place about the first of July ? How many men ? 
State of the American army .^ Theirnumberf What did gen- 
eral Putnam do ? Where is Brooklyn ? A. Opposite to New- 
York city, across the east river, three quarters of a mile distant. 
Where was Washington at this time ? 

3. State what the British did. The result ? How many were 
killed in the battle ? 



1776. WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 139 

tachment surrounded. Some escaped into the woods, 
others broke througth the line of the enemy, but most of 
them were killed or taken prisoners. In the heat of the 
battle, Washington crossed over to Brooklyn, and beheld 
with anguish the destruction of his best troops. 

4. About 2,000 of the Americans were killed, wound- 
ed or taken prisoners. The loss of the British was about 
400. The English advanced and began to fortify them- 
selves, near the American lines, and resolved on a more 
decisive battle the next day. But in the night, Washing- 
ton knowing his men were fatigued and dispirited by their 
defeat, withdrew with his army, unperceived by the ene- 
my, across the river to New- York. The militia fearing 
that the British would soon land on that side, deserted the 
city ; and Washington, wisliing to avoid a regular battle 
with the enemy, encamped his army a few miles north 
of the town.* 

5. General Howe entered New- York on the 15th of 
September, and soon after, marched up along the East 
river, and encamped his troops north of the Americans, 
in order to cut off all communication with New-England. 
"Washington, perceiving this movement, left a strong gar- 



4. What did Washington do that night? 

5. When did general Howe enter New-York ? What took 
place on the 28th of October? 



* After the famous retreat of the American ai-my from Long-Island, Wasli- 
ington, anxious to adopt some means of gaining information concerning the 
strength, situation, and future movements of the enemy, applied to colonel 
Knowlton, for a discreet, intelligent, enterprising, and bold officer, who would 
dare penetrate the enemj's camp and bring him the desired infomration. 
Knowlton at once fixed upon Capt. Nathan Hale, as possessing the necessary 
<lualifications in an eminent degree. Accordingly he made known the wishes of 
Washington to him, but Hale shrunk with instinctive horror at the thought of 
being a spy. But reflecting that it was Washington who required this service, 
and his countiy that w as to be benefitted, he gave up all scruples, and prepared 
for the adventure. He passed in disguise to Long-Island, in the character of a 
school-master, examined eveiy fort of the British army, and obtained all the re- 
quisite information. Ashe was returning, he was met by a regular, recognized, 
apprehended and brought before Sir William Howe- Hale finding every thing 
was known to the enemy, boldly, and without eciuivocation confessed his char- 
acter and his object. Howe without a trial, or without even the form of a court- 



140 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1776. 

rison at fort Washington, and marched as far as White 
Plains. Here the armies met on the 28th of October, 
and had a short engagement, in which about 300 men 
were lost on each side. 

6. The British general now returned towards New- 
York. His design was first to take fort Washington, and 
then cross the Hudson and attack fort Lee, which pre- 
vented the British fleet from passing up the river. On 
the 16th of November, fort Washington was furiously as- 
sailed at four different points. The garrison made a 
brave defense and mowed down the Hessians with terri- 
ble slaughter. At length their ammunition began to fail, 
and they were obliged to make an honorable surrender. 

7. The loss of this for twas severely felt by the Ameri- 
cans. The garrison at fort Lee immediately abandoned 
their post and joined the detachment under Washington, 
which was now at Newark in New- Jersey. The troops 
were at this time in a most pitiable condition. They 
w^ere without tents, without blankets, poorly clad, and ex- 
posed to the cold blasts of winter. In this wretched state 
they were driven by the close pursuit of the enemy from 
Newark to Brunswick, from thence to Princeton, and 
finally across the Delaware. 



G. What on the 16th of November? 

7. What did the garrison of fort Lee do ? 



martial, doomed liim for execution the next morning ! Tliis sentence was ex- 
ecuted, in the most unfeelinfj manner. Ke was tleiiied a bible, and even the 
attendance of a Clergyman was refused him. The letters, full of fortitude and 
resignation which he wrote to his mother and sister, a short time before his 
death, were destroyed. He was hung, regretting '• that he had only one life 
to lose in the cause of his countiy, the cause of liberty, and the lights of 
man.'' The untimely end of this promising, but unfortunate young man, re- 
sembled that of Major Andre, in the circumstances wliich led to it, but the ce- 
lebrity of the two has been widely different. The memoiy of Andre has re- 
ceived every honor, not only in his own country, but likewise in this. His Jiion- 
ument stands in Westminster Abbey, amongst those of sages and heroes ; while 
the memory of Hale hardly survives in his native state. His grave is not even 
marked by a stone, or an inscription. It is w ith pleasure, however, that I add, 
that our genera! government are about (1836; to erect a suitable monument to 
his memory iu the public burial place, in Coventry, Connecticut, his native 
town. 



1776. WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 141 

8. At this time Washington had not more than 3,000 
men with liim, and this number was daily decreasing. 
Such were the sufferings of the troops, that as soon as 
their term of service expired they returned to their com- 
fortable homes. A dark cloud now seemed to be cast 
over all the bright hopes of the Americans. Pardon was of- 
fered by the British general to all who would join the 
royal standard. Many, despairing of success, deserted the 
cause of liberty and accepted the pardon, some of whom 
had been members of congress. 

9. The city of Philadelphia being in danger, congress ad- 
journed to Baltimore. They now gave to Washington " en- 
tire control of the operations of war." To strengthen his 
exhausted army, he sent orders to general Lee to leave 
his post on the Hudson, and come to his assistance without 
delay. Lee left the Hudson, but did not hasten his 
march. One night he carelessly took quarters at a house, 
three miles from his army, where he was seized by a 
corpse of British cavalry. In consequence of this, the 
command fell upon general SulKvan, who marched the 
troops directly to the camp of Washington, increasing his 
army to about 7,000 men. 

10. The British general, instead of crossing the Dela- 
ware, scattered his forces in several towns on the Jersey 
side, for winter quarters. Washington, knowing the situ- 
ation of the enemy, determined if possible to strike a blow 
in favor of his sinking cause. On the night of the 25th 
of December, he crossed the Delaware nine miles above 
Trenton, with about 2,500 men, and marched down 



8. What was the condition of our army at tJjat time? Wliat 
was offered by the British general ? 

9. To what place did congress adjourn ? Why ? What power 
did they confer upon Wasfiington r Wljat did he do? State 
the capture of general Lee .' Do you suppose Lee wished to be 
taken: Who succeeded Lee? What did general Sullivan do? 

10. What did the British general do? What did Washington 
do on the niirht of the 25th of December ? The 2dth ? 



142 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



1777. 




WASHINGTON CROSSING THE DELAAVARE. 

upon that place, where the next morning he attacked the 
enemy, killed about twenty, and took about 1,000 pris- 
oners. Six field pieces and a thousand stand of arms, 
were also taken. Of his own men two were killed, two 
frozen to death, and several wounded. He immediately 
re-crossed the river. This was the state of affairs at the 
close of the year 1776. 



EVENTS OF 177' 



1. This last bold movement of Washington alarmed 
the British. Lord Cornwallis collected his forces at 
Princeton, and watched the motions of his vigilant foe. 
The American general, having received some fresh re- 
cruits from Pennsylvania, crossed the Delaware again, 
about the first of January, and stationed his army at Tren- 



1. What did Cornwallis do 
cross the Delaware .' 



When did Washington again 



1777. WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 143 

ton. The British forces soon marched with high hopes 
against him. Washington arrayed his army on the side 
of a small stream which divides the town, and strongly 
guarded all the fords and bridges. 

2. CornwaUis marched up his troops, and commenced 
a cannonade upon the Americans, and attempted, without 
success, to cross the river. Washington, kno^ving the 
superior force of the enemy, and that a defeat would prob- 
ably decide the fate of the war, conceived another daring, 
but successful exploit. As soon as it was dark the fires 
of the camp were lighted up as usual. But when all was 
quiet, W^ashington moved off Ms army unperceived, and 
next morning, January 3rd, attacked the enemy at 
Princeton. The contest was warm, but soon decided in 
favor of the Americans. Of the British, 100 men were 
killed and 300 taken prisoners. The loss of the Ameri- 
cans was 100. Among the slain was the lamented gen- 
eral Mercer, and among the M^ounded was Heutenant 
James Monroe, afterwards president of the United States. 

3. The American general designed, after taking Prince, 
ton, to push on his march to Brunswick, and take the 
magazines and baggage of the enemy deposited there. 
But CornwaUis suspecting his plan, had hastened his march 
from Trenton, and was fast approaching the Americans. 
The exhausted and destitute state of the army, induced 
Washington to relinquish his design of going to Bruns- 
wick. He therefore quartered liis troops at Morristown 
for the winter. The enemy retired to New-Brunswick. 

4. Thus closed tliis severe campaign. Considering the 

2. Describe the movements of the armies? The retreat of 
Washington? What did Washington do, January 3rd 1777? 
The result? 

3. To what place did Washington repair for winter quarters? 
Where is Morristown ? A. In New-Jersey, 28 miles west of 
New-York. To what place did the enemy retire ? Where is 
New-Brunswick? A. It is situated on the Rariton river in New- 
Jersey, 33 miles south-west of New-York. 

4. With what feelings was Washington regarded? 



144 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1777. 

circumstances of the American army, its achievements 
were highly honorable. The bold and successful move- 
ments of Washington, excited the admiration of both 
Europe and America. Joy and hope now began to re- 
vive the drooping spirits of the nation. The people every 
where hailed Washington, as the Savior of his country. 

5. Amid all the calamities which threatened the nation, 
congress displayed the dignity and firmness of true patri- 
otism. They made great exertions to supply the wants 
of the suffering army. They sent Dr. Frankhn,* and 
others to France, to loan money and procure military 
stores. The French, who cherished great hatred towards 
the Enghsh, loaned them money, provided arms and am- 
munition, and some of them warmly espoused the cause 
of the Americans. Among these was the young Marquis 
de Lafayette,^ who hired a ship at his own expense to 
bring him over to America ; and who afterwards, be- 
came a distinguished officer in the army, and the bosom 
friend of Washington. 

6. The soldiers in the American army, had enlisted to 



5. What was the conduct of congress at this time ? Who did 
congress send to France f What foreign nation warmly espoused 
the American cause i* 

* Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston 1706, and died in Philadelphia 
in 1799, He was one of the g^reatcst men of any age or nation. [See the life 
of Franklin.] 

t Gilbert Mortier Marquis de Lafliyette was bom in France in 1757. He 
was descended from distinguished ancestors, and inherited a princely fortune. 
Such was his ardor in the cause of liberty, that no sooner did he learn the situa- 
tion of the American people, than he resolved to leave his native country, and 
assist them in their glorious struggles for freedom. He made kiiown his intention 
to Dr. Franklin, who was compelled to confess to him tliat his government was 
so destitute of means and credit, that it could not furnish iiim with a conveyance. 
*' Then," said he, " I will fit out a vessel myself," and he did so. He arrived 
in the United States at 19 years of age, and joined the army under Washington. 
He was appointed a major general, and by his skill and services, he gained the 
esteem and the affection of the whole American people. In 1824, he visited 
the United States, and made a tour through the country. He was everywhere 
received with the highest marks of gratitude and respect. He returned to France 
in 1825, where he died May 20th 18.35. The wondrous scenes, both in the New 
and Old World, in which the name of Lafayette was prominently distinguished, 
are among the most remarkable in the annals of mankind. 



1777. WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 145 

serve only one year. This circumstance caused the ut- 
most derangement in the plans and wishes of Washington, 
Sometimes a whole regiment would leave the ranks, or 
the camp, in a single day. A new army was now raised, 
to serve three years or during the war. Such was 
the state of the American forces after Washington retired 
to Morristown, that nothing of importance was attempted 
till spring. During the latter part of the winter, the pris- 
oners at New- York suffered extremely from the inhuman 
treatment of the British. They were stowed together in 
prison-ships, churches, and other buildings. Many of 
them starved to death, and others were suffered to die of 
loathsome diseases, or to perish with cold. 

7. Early in the spring, several detachments from the 
British army were sent out on excursions to cut off 
the supplies for the Americans. On the Hudson, they 
were successful in taking several places, where flour and 
provisions were deposited. The town of Danbury, Con- 
necticut, was burnt, and a large quantity of military stores 
destroyed. Soon after this, colonel Meigs of Connnecti- 
cut attacked the British at Sag Harbor, on Long-Iskmd, 
killed six of the enemy, took ninety prisoners, burned 
twelve vessels loaded with provisions, and returned to 
Connecticut without losing a man. 

8. In May, Washington commenced operations with 
10,000 men. He left Morristown, and strongly posted his 
troops at Middlebrook. The enemy advanced against 
liim ; but unwiUing to attack him in tliis position, general 
Howe removed his army to Staten Island. He now formed 
a plan for taking Philadelphia. He embarked with his 
army, and near the end of August entered the Chesapeake 



6. What embarrassments did Washington experience during 
the winter? What were the sufferings of the soldiers ? 

7. What did the British do in the spring of 1777? What town 
was destroyed in Connecticut ? What did colonel Meigs do ? 

8. What is said of Washington ? Howe ? 

13 



146 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1777, 

Bay, and landed 18,000 troops about fifty miles from 
that city. 

9. Washington, knowing his design, met him at Bran- 
dywine creek, where a battle was fought. The enemy 
crossed the creek at different places, and, attacking the 
American army on the right and left, soon threw the line 
into confusion. Washington perceiving the disorder of 
Iiis troops, ordered a retreat. In this engagement he lost 
about 1,000 men. General Lafayette was among the 
wounded. The loss of the British was 500. The next 
day the American army retreated to Philadelpliia. 

10. In the mean time, affairs of great interest had been 
going on in the northern department. Arnold, soon after 
his retreat from Canada, had prepared a small fleet to 
keep the enemy in check on lake Champlain. But in a 
severe battle he lost a part of his fleet, and was obliged to 
burn the remainder to prevent its falling into the hands of 
the enemy. The English had now forced their way 
down to the Hudson. Their plan was to unite their for- 
ces in Canada, with those in New- York, and thus cut off 
New-England from the southern states. 

11. General Burgoyne, with an army of 10,000 men, 
left Quebec in the spring, on this important enterprise. 
He sent a detachment to Oswego, with orders to proceed 
from that place and meet him at Albany. British agents 
were sent out, who succeeded in persuading thousands of 
Indian warriors to join their army. On the first of July, 
Burgoyne arrived at Ticonderoga. The garrison, unable 
to defend the fort, left it by night, and crossed the lake. 
They were soon after overtaken by the enemy, and in 
several skirmishes were routed with a loss of 800 men. 

12. The scattered troops who escaped, at length arri- 

9. Describe the battle of Braiidywine? 

10. What were the English attempting to do in the north at 
this time ? 

11. What did Burgoyne do? When did he arrive at Ticon- 
deroga.'' Can you sJiow me Ticonderoga on the rnap ? 



1777. WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 147 

ved at fort Edward on the Hudson, the head quarters of 
the northern army. The progress of the British forces 
spread terror and dismay through the country. But gen- 
eral Schuyler made every possible exertion to interrupt 
their march. He pulled up bridges, and cut down trees 
to obstruct the roads. But the British, after great fatigue 
and difficulty, appeared at fort Edward. Schuyler, hav- 
ing not more than 4,400 troops, unable to resist the ene- 
my, retreated across the Hudson, and after several re- 
moves, posted his army on the island at the mouth of the 
Mohawk river. 

13. About this time news came that fort Schuyler was 
beseiged by the detachment which Burgoyne had sent to 
Oswego. General Herkimer, with a band of 800 militia, 
had marched to relieve the garrison, but falling into an 
ambuscade, lost more than half of his men. Arnold with 
three regiments was immediately sent to raise the siege. 
The enemy no sooner perceived his approach, than they 
fled in great haste, leaving their baggage and stores, and 
retreated to Canada. The militia of all the surrounding 
country, now began to assemble to the aid of the Ameri- 
can forces. 

14. Fresh troops arrived from Washington's army ; 
and general Schuyler being very unpopular, general Gates 
was appointed to the chief command in the northern de- 
partment. Burgoyne v/as now making all possible ex- 
ertions to prepare his army to advance against Albany. 
He found immense difficulty in transporting provisions 
from lake George to the Hudson river. He sent colonel 
Baum, with 600 troops, to Bennington, Vermont, to take a 
large quantity of provisions which the Americans had de- 
posited there. But when Baum approached that place, 



12. What American general tried to interrupt their march ? 

13. What did general Herkimer do ? Arnold .'* 

14. Who was appointed to the chief command.^ Why .'' Who 
v^assent to Bennington ? What happened ? 



148 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



1777. 



he learned that a large force of militia had just arrived 
from New-Hampshire. Alarmed for their safety, the 
British at once entrenched themselves. 

15. Next day the militia, under General Stark, attack- 
ed them, killed many, and took a large number of pri- 
soners. Before nig-ht a reinforcement of 500 Germans 




BATTLE OF BENNINGTON. 

arrived from the British camp. They were immediately 
assaulted by the militia, and routed. The Americans 
took from the enemy 1000 muskets, 900 swords, several 
pieces of cannon, and a large quantity of baggage. The 
militia, well equipped from these spoils, marched on to 
join the regular troops at the mouth of the Mohawk. 
Burgoyne at length crossed the Hudson, and posted his 
arm)' at Saratoga. The American general, soon after, 
marched up the river and encamped at Stillwater, a few 
miles from the enemv. 



15. Who commanded the American militia at Bennington ? 
"What reinforcement arrived ? State the result of the battle of 
Bennington. Where did Burgoyne post his army ':! Where did 
the American army encamp .'' 



1777. 



WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 



149 



16. On the 19th of September, a battle commenced, 
at first between scouting parties, but soon a hot engage- 
ment between the armies. The thunder of cannon, and 
the noise of conflict continued till night, when the Ame- 
ricans retreated to their camp, and the British slept on 
their arms. The loss of the enemy was over 600 men ; 
that of the Americans, about half that number. The 
next day the British general entrenched his army. He 
was now in great distress. His provisions began to fail, 
and his horses were already starving for want of fodder. 
His Indian forces began to desert him, and no assistance 
arrived from New-York as he expected. 

17. In this condition he resolved to risk another battle. 
On the 7th of October, he drew out a part of his men, 




DEATH OF GENERAL FRAZER. 



and attacked the left of the American army. But Gates, 
who had been greatly strengthened by militia from all di- 



IG. What took place on the 19lh of Septembe 



17. What on the 7th of October 
general was killed? 

13* 



What distinguished British 



150 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1777. 

rections, watching all the movements of the enemy, led on 
his men to the battle with the greatest ardor. Arnold soon 
put the right of the British to rout, seized their cannon, 
and drove the troops into their intrenchments. The 
whole American line assailed the enemy with desperate 
bravery, and before night stormed their intrenchments, 
and compelled the British to retreat. Many of the enemy 
were killed, and many were taken prisoners. Among 
the slain w.as Frazer, a distinguished general, and several 
other valuable officers of the British army. 

18. Burgoyne now resolved to retreat with liis forces 
without delay. But he soon found himself surrounded 
by the Americans, and all the passes strongly guarded. 
He was destitute of provisions, his troops were exhausted, 
and a destructive fire from the enemy was constantly 
pouring in upon his camp. While he, with his officers, 
was holding a council, a cannon ball is said to have 
crossed the table around which they were seated. In 
this state of distress it was resolved to surrender the 
whole army. Burgoyne immediately opened a negotia- 
tion with the American general, and articles of stipulation 
were agreed upon on the 7th of October. The British 
were to deliver up all their arms, baggage, and stores to 
the Americans, and return to England, on condition of 
not serving against the United States during the war. 
The loss of the British since the siege of Ticonderoga, 
had amounted to about 9000 men. General Gates, in 
honor of his great victory, received the thanks of con- 
gress and a gold medal. 

19. In the mean time. Sir Henry Clinton had sent an 
army of 3,000 men, under General Vaughan, up the 
Hudson ; but instead of hastening to the rehef of Bur- 

18. What did Burgoyne now resolve to do ? What happened 
while he and his officers were sitting in council.'' When did 
Burgoyne surrender his array .^ 

19. What had Sir Henry Clinton done in the meantime? 
What did Vaughan do ? 



1777. WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 151 

goyne, they spent their time in pkmdering and burning 
the villages along the river. The glorious success of 
the northern army spread universal joy through the na- 
tion, and the large quantity of arms, ammunition, &;c. 
taken from the enemy, well supphed the Americans with 
the means of prosecuting the war. 

20. We now return to the affairs of Washington's 
army. Soon after his retreat to Philadelphia, he again 
marched out his troops to give battle to the enemy, but 
a violent storm which unfitted their arms for use, pre. 
vented. Washington with a part of his army, crossed 
the Schuylkill, and soon after, the other division under 
General Wayne,* was attacked and defeated. It was 
now impossible to prevent the march of the enemy into 
the city of Pliiladelphia. The inhabitants had already 
removed the magazines and public stores ; and congress 
had adjourned to Lancaster. On the 25th of September, 
the British took possession of the city. 

21. A part of the British army remained in the city, 
and the remainder took post at Germantown. Washing- 
ton, taking advantage of tlie divided situation of the 
enemy, on the night of October 3d, sent several divisions 
to attack the British at Germantown, in front and rear. 
Next morning two detachments assaulted the enemy on 
the right and left. But the other divisions which were 
to attack them in the rear did not arrive in time ; so 
that the troops were divided, and vigorously repulsed by 
the enemy. In their confusion many were killed, and 
many taken prisoners. The loss on the American side 
was about 1200 ; that of the enemy, 500. 



20. When did the British take possession of Pliiladelpiiia ? 

21. Describe the attack on the British ai Germantown. 



* Anthony Wayne was boi-n in Easton, Pennsylvania, in 1745. He was 
appointed brigadier general in 1776. He was engaged in numerous lmttle<!, 
gaud was ever distinguished for braveiT^, skill, and intrepidity. In 1792, he 
ucceeded St. Clair in the command of the army employed against the lu- 
diaus. It is said of him that " his name was a liost." He died in 1796. 



152 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1778. 

22. The Americans, at this time, had strong garrisons 
in the fortresses at Red Bank, and on Mud Island. 
These were repeatedly assaulted by the British ; and 
after the loss of several hundred men, they succeeded in 
taking them. The British fleet could now come quite 
up to the city. The condition of Washington's troops 
was truly distressing. By their frequent marches, they 
had worn out their shoes and clothing. They might 
have been tracked, it is said, by the blood of their feet. 
The American army at length retired to winter quarters 
at a place called Valley Forge, about twenty-five miles 
from Philadelphia. The British army was quartered in 
the city. 



EVENTS OF 1778. 



1. The defeat of Burgoyne and the surrender of his 
army, struck all Europe with astonishment. The people 
of England were exceedingly mortified and indignant. 
Complaints and reproaches were constantly poured forth 
against the ministry and parliament. A plan of recon- 
ciliation was at once proposed, and commissioners sent 
to restore peace between the revolted colonies and the 
mother country. France, who had hitherto hesitated, 
now openly acknowledged the independence of the 
United States, and entered into alliance with them. A 
fleet was soon sent to America to aid in the war against 
Great Britain. Other nations of Europe soon acknow- 
ledged the national character of the United States. 

2. The members of congress had found it necessary 

22. Where was Red Bank? Jl. On th(3 Delaware river, 7 
miles south of Philadelpliia. Where is Mud Island? A. it is 
seven miles below Philadelphia, in the Delaware river. It is 
stongly fortified. What was the condition of V\ ashington's 
army? To what place did they retire for winter quarters? 
Where did the British winter? 

1. What eftect did the defeat of Burgoyne produce in Europe ? 



1778. WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 153 

to frame a league by which their power might be increased 
and their authority enforced. For this purpose they 
adopted "articles of confederation" which were approved 
by each state. By this constitution, congress was author- 
ised to declare war, to conclude peace, contract alliances, 
and act as a sovereign head to the nation. Congress 
now took more vigorous measures to improve the order 
and discipline of the troops. They elected an inspector- 
general to superintend the tactics of the army. 

5. In the spring, commissioners arrived from England 
and offered terms of reconciliation. But congress were 
firm in the purpose to maintain the independence of the 
nation. The commissioners, bent on the accomplishment 
of their object, resorted to bribery. An offer of ten 
thousand pounds sterhng was made to General Reed, if 
he would bring about a reconciliation. He replied in 
the true spirit of freedom, " I am not worth purchasing, 
but such as I am, the king of Great Britain is not rich 
enough to buy me." 

4. The conduct of the British in stirring up the cruel 
savages to ravage the American frontiers, was altogether 
unworthy of a great and civilized nation. The Creeks 
and Cherokees at the south, and the Six Nations at the 
north, were excited by British agents to deeds of horrid 



2. What power did the " articles of confederation" confer on 
congress? Who was elected inspector-general ? A. The Baron 
Steuben. He was a native of Prussia, and had served many 
years in the armies of Frederick the Great. He came to Ame- 
rica in 1776, and by his knowledge of the military tactics of 
Europe, he rendered the most essential service to the army. 
He died at Steubenville, in the state of New-York, in 1794. 

3. Who arrived in the spring of 1778? V\ hat offer did they 
make to General Reed ? His reply ? Would you have done as 
he did ? 

4. What do you think of the conduct of the British in insti- 
gating the Indians to butcher the Americans ? Who was mur- 
dered by them .'' 



154 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1778. 

barbarity. The shocking death of Miss McCrea* greatly- 
inflamed the people against the British general. She 
was a lovely young lady, and engaged to be married. 
One evening, as she sat waiting for her lover, a party of 
savages suddenly burst into the house, seized the whole 
family, dragged them off into the woods, and then scalped 
and murdered them. 

5. The American army while in winter quarters at 
Valley Forge, suffered great extremities. The soldiers 
were several times nearly starved ; so that Washington, 
having no other means of reheving their necessities, per- 
mitted them to seize on the provisions of the neighbor- 
ing farmers. Half naked, and half starved, many fell 
sick and died, for want of the necessaries of life. But 
spring opened ; and Washington, after incessant exertion, 
found his army again in comfortable circumstances. The 
British forces had received orders to leave Philadelphia, 
and repair to New-York. Accordingly they commenced 
their march on the 18th of June. 

6. But Washington immediately pursued the enemy, 
and on the 28th, a severe, but indecisive battle was fought 
at Monmouth. During this engagement Washington had 
occasion to reprove General Lee,"j" for not strictly obeying 

5. When did the British leave Philadelphia ? 

(J. When was the battle of Monmouth fought? This place 
is sometimes called Freehold. It is 04 miles Irom Philadelphia. 
Who was reproved by Washington .'' The decision of the court- 
martial ? 

* There are different accounts respecting the deatli of Jane McCrea. One 
is, thai she was en^a^ed to be married to a British officer, Cajjtain David 
Jones. That he, anxious for Jier safety, employed two Indians, with n promise 
of a harrel of rum, to bring lier to him; and that, in consequence of tlieir 
dispute for the right of conducting her, one of them murdered her. Another 
is, that these two were met by a party of Indians, wlm, anxious to obtain the 
promised leward, strove to get possession of her, and had nearly succeeded, 
when one of the two, to prevent her falling into their ha)ids, killed htr with 
his tomahawk. Genei-al Gntes says in his letter to liurgoyne, " Sl.e was dressed 
to receive her promised husband." 

t Charles Lee was bom in Wales. He entered tlje army at an early age. He 
traveled through several kingdoms of Eurojje, and came to America in 1756. 
He was engaged in the attack upon Ticonderoga, July 1758, when Abercrorabie 



1778. WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 155 

his orders. At this, Lee was greatly offended, and after- 
wards wrote to Washington, demanding an apology. 
The case was submitted to a court martial, and Lee, 
1)eing convicted of misconduct, was deprived of his officer 
for one year. In this battle the British lost about 350 
men ; the Americans over 200. Many of the German 
troops during the winter had married in Philadelphia, and 
allured by the charms of wedded life, about 1000 deserted 
the camp of the British. Wasliington continued to harass 
the enemy in their march through New-Jersey. 

7. When Great Britain learned that France had formed 
an alliance with the United States, she immediately de- 
clared war against that nation. In July, a large French 
fleet under Count d'Estaing arrived in Chesapeake bay. 
This excited joy and hope throughout the nation. A plan 
was soon concerted in congress for attacking the British 
at Newport, in Rhode-Island. For this purpose an army 
of 10,000 men was immediately raised in New-England. 
The French fleet and the army were to begin the attack 
at the same time. On the 9th of August, the British fleet 
appeared off the harbor. The French seeing this, imme- 
diately weighed anchor and commenced a chase. But a 
violent storm came on which prevented a battle between 
the fleets. 



7. When and where did a French fleet arrive ? What plan 
was concerted ? What took place on the 9th ol" August, 1778 ? 
What prevented a battle between the fleets ? 



•was defeated. He afterwards retnmed to Europe and served under Rnrpoyne 
ill Portugal, and soon after entered into the Polish service. After this, he 
rambled over all Europe, and returned to America ui 1773. He soon traveled 
through the country, animating the colonies to resistance. In 1775, lie was 
ajipointed a major-general in the American army. He was learned, and pos- 
sessed vigorous powers of mind ; and as an officer, he was hrave, able, and did 
much towards disciplining the American army. Alter lie was sentenced by 
the court-martial to be suspended one year from his office, he retired to an 
estate he had purchased in Virginia, and never afterwards joined the army. 
In 1782, he went to Philadelphia, and took lodgings in an inn. After being 
there three or four days, he was seized with a fever, which terminated his life, 
October 2d. The hst words which he uttered wmv, " Stand by me, my brave 
■grenadiers." 



156 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1778, 

8. Owing to this disaster the French admiral was 
obliged to repair to Boston to refit his ships. The army 
had already commenced the siege of Newport ; but dis- 
couraged by the ill success of the fleet, the troops at 
length retreated. The British pursued, and in a severe 
battle, lost 260 men. The loss of the Americans was 
less. Soon after this, the French fleet left the coast of 
New-England, and sailed to the West-Indies. 

9. The enemy spent the rest of the summer in plun- 
dering expeditions. At New-Bedford, Fair-FIaven, Egg- 
harbor and other places, a vast amount of public and pri- 
vate property was seized, and much wantonly destroyed. 
The inhabitants were sometimes left in a state of abject 
wretchedness. 

10. Several instances of shocking barbarity occurred 
during the summer. A regiment of cavalry under the 
command of Colonel Taylor, called the Washington 
Light-Horse, while asleep in a barn at Tappan, were sur- 
prised by the British, and about half of them killed. Ge- 
neral Grey, who commanded the enemy, ordered liis men 
to give " the rebels" no quarter. They fell upon them 
with their bayonets, and notwithstanding their entreaties 
for mercy, pierced them through and through. About 
forty were saved by the compassion of the soldiers, con- 
trary to the orders of the general. 

11. But a tragedy still more horrid was acted at Wy- 
oming. This was a delightful settlement in the northern 
part of Pennsylvania, which contained over 1000 families. 
A body of 1600 men, mostly Indians, who had been ex- 
cited by a party of more savage whites, fell upon the 
inhabitants, set fire to the houses, cut the men to pieces. 



8. What did the army do ? The British ? 

9. How did the enemy spend tlie rest of the summer? 

10. What happened at Tappan? Where is Tappan ? .4. On 
the Hudson, or North river. 

11. Deserihe the massacre at Wyoming. What is the nveaning 
of massacre ? 



1779. WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 157 

and left women and children to perish in the flames. The 
crops were laid waste, and fruit trees were torn up by 
the roots. This horrid massacre was brought about 
through the influence of the English, and those who 
favored their cause. 

12. The British now determined to change the theatre 
of action from the north to the south. Accordingly 
2000 men, under the command of Colonel Campbell, 
were sent from New- York to invade Georgia. They 
found only 120-0 Americans in that state to oppose them. 
They attacked Savannah on the 29th of December, and 
after a short contest took possession of the town. In the 
mean time the southern port of Georgia had been invaded 
by the British forces of Florida, under General Provost. 
Having taken the fort at Sunbury, he marched his troops 
to Savannah. About this time the army under Wash- 
ington retired into winter quarters near Middlebrook, in 
New-Jersey. 



EVENTS OF 1779. 



1. The population of the southern states was much 
more scattered than that of the northern ; and many 
of the people were tories, whose influence over the ne- 
groes and neighboring Indians was very dangerous to 
the true lovers of liberty. Taking advantage of this 
state of things, the British hoped to make an easy con- 
quest of the south. 

2. Genera] Lincoln, who had been appointed to the 
command of the southern army, marched against the 

12. What did the British now resolve to do ? Who was sent 
to Georgia ? How many Americans were there to oppose them 
in Georgia? When did the British take Savannali ? Where 
is Savannah ? 

2. Who was appointed to the command of the American 
army in the southern department? Describe the attempt of the 
British to invade South Carolina. To take Charleston. 
14 



158 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1779. 

British in Georgia. The enemy now prepared to invade 
South CaroKna. Not being able to cross the Savannah 
river, they attempted to get possession of the island of 
Port Royal ; but in this attempt they were defeated. At 
length the British general crossed the Savannah, and 
marched against Charleston. The inhabitants of that 
city made every preparation for defense, and notified 
Lincoln of their danger. The British, not able to force 
their way through the passes of the city, retreated and 
took post on the island of St. Johns, andStono ferry, on 
the main land opposite. 

3. A company of tories from the interior of South 
Carolina, while marching to join the British forces, were 
attacked by a body of militia, and many of them taken 
prisoners. They were tried for treason. Seventy were 
convicted and condemned to death. But only five, the 
principal leaders, were executed. 

4. In May, Virginia was invaded by a band of British 
plunderers. At Norfolk, Portsmouth, and other places, 
a large quantity of public stores and private property was 
carried otT or destroyed. Soon after, the coast of Con- 
necticut was laid waste by the enemy. New-Haven was 
plundered ; Fairfield and Norwalk were burned. 

5. As the British approached the place called Horse- 
Neck, General Putnam,* with a band of 150 men, and 



3. Describe the defeat of the company of toiies. How many 
were executed? How many do you tiiink ought to have been 
executed ? 

4. What places were plundered — laid waste — burnt? 

5. What happened at a phice called Horse Neck? What and 
where is Horse Neck ? v*i. It is a vilkige in Greenwich, Fair- 
field county, Connecticut. Tlie precipice that Putnam plunged 
down, had about one hundred steps made in it, for the use of 
foot passengers. 

* Israel Putnam was bom in Salem, Massachusetts, in 1718. He was a distin- 
guished soldier of the French and Indian wars ; and subsequently acted a very 
conspicuous part in the war of the revolution. Being intended for a farmer, 
he received only a common education. He had a strong mind, a vigorous con- 



1779. 



WAR OF THE REVOLUTION, 



159 



two pieces of cannon, took his station on a high hill by 
the meeting-house. From this position he poured a 
raking fire upon the enemy, but at length, perceiving that 
his little force was in danger of destruction, he ordered 
his men to retreat into a neighboring swamp, while he 
himself put spurs to his horse, and rushed down a steep 
precipice at full gallop. A musket ball, it is said, passed 
tlirough his hat, but he escaped without injury. 




PUTNAM S ESCAPE AT HORSE-NECK. 

6. About this time General Wayne took by storm a 
strong British post at Stony Point, on the Hudson. The 
assault Wcis made about midnight. The troops rushed 



6. Describe the capture of Stony Point, — Paulus Hook. By 
what other name is Paulus Hook called ? A. Jersey City. It is 
situated in New-Jersey, opposite to New-York. 

£titution. great bodily strength, entei-jjrise and activity. He removed to Pom- 
fret, in Connecticut, in 1739, and in 1737 was jjroinou <1 to the rank of major 
by the legislature of that state. Putnam received the intelligence of the battle 
of Lexington as he was ploughing in the middle of a field. He left his |>luugh 
there, unyoked liis oxen, and without chatiijing iiis clothes, set off for the 
scene of action. Learning the situation of things, he returneil to Connecticut, 
levied a regiment, and marched to Cambridge. He was now appointed a 
oiajoj--geueral, and acted a very important part during the war. Aft«r the 



160 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1779. 

forward through a tremendous fire from the garrison, and 
scahng the fort, with their bayonets, soon compelled them 
to surrender. Of the British, 60 were killed, and more 
than 500 taken prisoners. Soon after, the British at 
Paulus Hook, were surprised and defeated by Major Lee. 

7. During the summer, several successful attempts 
were made against the Indians. One was made by 
Colonel Clarke, of Virginia, who with a brave band of 
130 men penetrated the Indian territory, and took the 
British fort at St. Vincents, on the Wabash. To effect 
their object, the troops had to endure great hardships. 
For several miles they were obliged to wade through 
swamps, where the water was up to their arms, with their 
muskets and baggage on their heads. When they ar- 
rived, the enemy surrendered without resistance. 

8. An army of 4000 men, under the command of 
General Sullivan, was sent against the savages on the 
frontiers of Pennsylvania and New- York. The Indians 
every where were I'outed. Their forts were taken, their 
villages burned, their fruit trees and corn fields destroyed ; 
and all their improvements in civilization were laid waste. 
Tliis severe but necessary punishment kept the savages 
in check for some time after. 

9. Early in the fall, the French fleet arrived on the 
coast of Georgia, with 6000 troops on board. A plan 

7, 8. What took place during the summer ? 

9. When did a French fleet arrive on the coast? 



loss of fort Montgomery, situated in the liighlands on the Hudson, Wasliington 
determined to build another fortification, and he directed Putnam to fix upon 
the spot. To him belong;s the praise of liaving- chosen West Point. On a cer- 
tain occasion, a tory from the British army was detected in Putnam's camp. 
Governor Tryon claimed liiin an a British officer, threatening vengeance if 
he was not restored. General Putnam wrote tlie following pithy reply. 

" Sir,— Nathan Palmer, a lieutenant in your king's service, was taken in my 
camp as a spy,— he was tried as a spy,— he was coudennied as a spy,— and lie 
shall be hane^ed as a spy. Israel Putnam. 

P. S. Afternoon,— He is hanged." 

In 1779, he was seized with a paralytic affliction which impaired the activity 
of his body, and put an end to his military career. He spent the remainder of 
Lis days iu retirement, and died at Brooklyn, Connecticut, May 29, 1790. 



1779. WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 161 

was immediately concerted for the siege of the British 
at Savannah. General Lincoln marched his army from 
C/harleston, and united with the French soldiers in besieg- 
ing the city, on the 23d of September. The enemy 
were soon closely pressed. But De Estaing, the French 
commander, desirous of returning to the West Indies, 
proposed to raise the siege. Instead of this, Lincoln 
determined to take the city, if possible, by storm. 

10. On the 9th of October, a vigorous assault was 
made; and the out-works were soon carried. But as 
they advanced, the gai'rison opened upon them with such 
fury, that the assailants were defeated with a loss of 1000 
men. Among the slain was Count Pulaski, a brave Pole, 
'who had served in the American army for several years 
with distinguished zeal. But no one fell more univer- 
sally lamented, than the heroic Sergeant Jasper.* Soon 
after this defeat, the French left the coast and the Ame- 
rican forces retired to Charleston. 

11. About this time a naval engagement took place. 
Jolm Paul Jones, a Scotchman by birth, having distin- 
guished himself in taking prizes at sea, was appointed by 



10. Describe the attack on Savannnli. 

11. Describe the engagement between tlio Serapis and Bon 
horame Ricliard. 



* Jasper was one of the many youth whose memory slioiild be warmly che- 
rished by eveiy American. He liist distiiit^iiished himself in the defense of 
fort iMoullrie, in South Carolina. Says one who w as present, " A ball from one 
of the enemy's ships carried away our llag-staft". Scarcely had the stars of 
liberty touched the sand, l)efore Jasper flew and snatched them up and kissed 
them with the greatest enthusiasm. I'hen, havinp: fixed them to the point of 
his spontoon, or spear, he leaped up on the breast-work amidst the storm and 
fury of the battle, and restored them to their daring station, waving his hat at 
the same time and huzzaing, ^^ God save liberty and my country forever." 
Jasper had a brother who had joined the British ; and, though a tory', he loved 
him with warm affection. In' comjjany with his particular friend, Sergeant 
Newton, Jasper went to visit this brother at Ebenezer, a British post near 
Savannah. While there, his brother showed him ten or twelve American pri- 
soners, who had been taken as deseners, and were to be sent immediately to 
Savannah and probably executed, .\mong them was a lovely' young woman, 
wife of one of the prisoners, with her child, a sweet little boy about five yeaw 
old. Their pitiable condition moved Jasper and Newton to tears ; and they 
retired, resolved to rescue them or die in tiie attempt. The prisoners, under a 
guard of ten men, were soon sent off for Savannah. Taking leave of his bro- 

14* 



162 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1779. 

congress, a captain in the American navy. On the 14th 
of September, he sailed from a port in France, and soon 
after, off the coast of Scotland, fell in with the Serapis, a 
British ship of 44 guns. The name of liis own ship, 
which carried 40 guns, was Bon homme Richard. The 
attack was made in the evening, and an hour after the 
battle commenced, the ships approached so near each 
other, that Jones threw his grappling irons aboard the 
Serapis and lashed them fast together. 

12. Terrible slaughter now ensued. An incessant 
discharge of cannon swept their decks, and frequently 
both frigates were on fire. Amid the darkness of night 
the scene was awfully sublime. After a bloody battle of 
three hours, the British frigate was surrendered. Jones, 
perceiving that his own ship was fast filling with water, 
ordered his men on board the Serapis. Soon after, she 
sunk to the bottom. For his success on thj's occasion, 
Jones received a golden sword from the king of France, 
and a golden medal from the American congress. 

12. What was the resuh? What did Jones receive for h'la 
success ? 



ther, Jasper and his friend depaited, and by a circuitous route came up with 
them and pursued for several miles, watching for some favorable moment to ef- 
fect their ouject. .lust as all hope began to fail, it occurred to Jasper, that possi- 
bly they might stop at a famous spring about t\» o miles from Savannah. They 
pushed on and concealed themselvts in the bushes near the spring. Soon the 
guard and prisoners appeared and a halt was ordered. Hope again inspired 
the heroes in ambush. All but four left their arms by the sitle of the road, and 
proceeded to the spring. Two were ordered to keep guard while the other 
two armed men wt-re commanded to give the ])risoners drink. Ihese two set 
their guns against a tree and advanced to the spring, drank themselves and 
filled their canteens for the jjrisoners. At this moment Jasper and Newton 
burst forth from the thicket, seized the muskets standing against the tree, and 
shot down the tw o men who were kee))ing guard. 1 hey now lUshed on and 
with the butt end of the muskets leveled tw o otiiers, who had sprung forward 
to seize the guns of the fallen guard. They now ordered the rest to surrender 
at the point of the bayonet, which they instantly did. Jasper now broke oft" 
the hand-cufts of the prisoneis and giving each one a musket, marched them 
oft* to the American camp, to the inexpressible joy and admiration of all. On 
the day of his death, Jasper pei-lbrmed a feat of similar daring ; but in which, 
unfortunately, he received a mortal wound. He died like a christian soldier, 
in full hopes'of a better life. 



1780. WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 163 



EVENTS OF 1780. 

1. During the winter, the American army endured 
great hardships from the want of food and clothing. 
This suffering resuhed mostly from the circulation of 
what was called continental money. To pay off the sol- 
diers and meet other expenses, congress was obhged to 
issue a vast amount of this money. At this time it had 
lost almost all its value. Thirty dollars of this paper 
money was not worth more than one dollar in silver. 
The troops, whose wages were paid in this money, could 
buy neither food nor clothing with it. So great was the 
distress, that some regiments revolted and left the army. 
But Washington, by liis intreaties with congress, and 
appeals to the people in all parts of the country, saved 
his army from total destruction. 

2. The British army during the past year had been 
reinforced by fresh troops from England ; and Sir Henry 
Clinton now determined to invade South Carolina with a 
powerful force. Accordingly he left New- York, entered 
the port of Charleston, and on the first of April, com- 
menced the siege of that city. The American army 
under Generlal Lincoln was small, compared with that of 
the enemy, wliich amounted to 9000 men. 

3. But every exertion was made to save the city. 
Communication with the country was kept open for some 
time by a detachment stationed at Monk's corner. This 
post was soon taken, and the garrison of the city found 
themselves closely pressed on all sides. With no hope 
of success against a force so much superior, Lincoln 
surrendered the town and his men. This severe blow 
disheartened the troops in all parts of the state, and after 

1. Did you ever see any continental money ? What can you 
say about it ? 

2. What did Sir Henry Clinton do ? 

3. What was General Lincoln obliged to do ? What did 
Colonel Tarleton do ? 



164 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1780. 

some feeble attempts to resist, they submitted to the 
enemy. One detachment of 400 men, who had not laid 
down their arms, were surprised by Colonel Tarleton,* 
and more than half of them cut to pieces without mercy. 

4.' Although the people were obliged to submit to royal 
authority^ they were ready on the first favorable opportu- 
nity to seize their arms in defense of their country. Colo- 
nel Sumpter, with a band of devoted patriots, attacked and 
defeated several detachments of the enemy. At length 
an army of 4000 men, a part of whom had marched 
from New-Jersey, assembled in North Carolina under 
General Gates. This force advanced towards the enemy 
as far as Clermont. 

5. In the night of the 15th of August, Lord Cornwal- 
lis marched against the Americans, and met them advan- 
cing against him. Next morning the British made a fu- 
rious charge upon the mihtia and soon put them to flight. 
The continentals, or the regular American troops, stood 
the charge with great bravery ; but at length they were 
pressed in fi*ont and rear, and their ranks being broken, 
they fled in disorder. Baron de Kalb, a German officer, 
who had faithfully served in the American army, fell in 
this ensragement with eleven wounds. The loss of the 



4. What is said of Colonel Sumpter? 

5. What happened on the 15th of August ? 



* Colonel Tarleton was born in Liverpool, England. He was brave, fearless, 
and often cruel to those who fell into his power. In the battle of Cowptns, 
Colonel William Wasliington commanded the cavalry, and contributed muck 
to the victory. In the ttijj^ht of Tarleion's troops, Washington was foremost in 
the pursuit. He and his men cut down great numbers of the enemy, and even 
Tarleton received a severe wound in his head, by a blow from Washington's 
sabre. Tarleton could never bear to hear him praised after this. On a cei-tain 
occasion, he observed, " I am told that Colonel Washington is a poor, ignorant 
fellow, and can neither read nor write." " Be tliat as it may," said a lady 
present, " you will allow, Colonel, that he ean make his mark," pointing at 
the same time to Tarleton's wounded head. When some ladies In Charleston 
were eulogizing Colonel Washington, " I would be very glad," said Tarleton, 
" to get a sight of him. I have heard much talk of him, but have never yet 
seen him." " Had you have looked behind you at the battle of Cowpens," said 
one, " you might have enjoyed that pleasure." Tarleton returned to England 
after the war, and was tor some time a member of parliament. 



1780. WAR OF THE KEVOLrXION. 165 

Americans was supposed to be about 1000 men ; that of 
the enemy 325. 

6. Sumpter, who had been very successful against the 
enemy, when he heard that Gates was defeated, fled with 
the prisoners and booty he had taken. But he was pur- 
sued by the furious Tarleton, and being surprised in the 
night, his forces were killed or scattered, and the prison, 
ers retaken. In another part of the state general Ma- 
rion* a determined patriot, with a brave party of horse- 
men, defeated many scouting parties of the enemy. To 
furnish his troops with swords, he cut up the saws of the 

6. What did General Marion do ? 



* Francis Marion was a brave and able officer. He was born near George- 
town, South Carolina, in 1732. He died in 1795. \V hile general Marion vas 
in camp, near Georgetown, a British officer was sent to him to make some ar- 
rangements about the exchange of prisoners. Instead of finding Marion as 
he expected, " some stout figure of a warrior, of maiiial aspect anil flaming 
regimentals, he beheld in our hero, a s\*arthy, smoke-dried little man, with 
scarce enough of threadbare homespun to cover Ins nakedness! and in place 
of tall ranks, of gaily uressed soldiers, he beheld a handful of sunburnt yellow - 
legged militia-men ; some roasting j)otatots and some asleej), with then- black 
firelocks and powderhorns lying by them on the lugs !" After every thing was 
settled to his satisfaction, the officer took up his hat to retire. " Oli no !" said 
Maiion ; " it is now about our time of dining ; and I hope, sir, you will give us 
the pleasure of your company to dinner." The dinner to which he alluded, 
was no other than a heap of sweet potatoes, that were very snugly i-oasting un- 
der the embei-s, and which the servant Tom, with his pine-stick poker soon lib- 
erated from their ashy confinement ; and liaving cleansed thtm of the ashes, 
partly by blowing tlieni with his breath, and partly by brushing them with the 
sleeve of his old cotton shirt, he piled some of the best on a large piece of bark 
and placed them between the British officer and Marion. " 1 fear" said the 
general, " our dinner will not jjrove (juite so palatable to you asT could wish, but 
it is the best we have. I suppose it is not equal to your style of dining." " No, 
indeed," said the officer ; "and this I imagine, is one of your accidental dinners. 
In general, no doubt, you live a great deal better." " Rather worse," replied Ma- 
rion, " for often we don't get enough of this." " Heavens! " rejoined the officer. 
" But probably,, what you lose in meal you make up in malt ; though stinted in 
p7-ovisio?is, yandrdw noble pay. "Not a cent, sir," said the general, " not a 
eent." " Heavens and earth : then you must be in a bad ho\— all Jighting and 
710 pay .' and no provisions but potatoes .'" " Why sir," replied Marion, " these 
things depend on feeling,— the heart is all ; when that is much interested, a 
man can do any thing. Many a youth would think it hard to indent himself a 
slave for fourteen years. But let him be over head and ears in love, and with 
sucli a beauteous sweetheart as Rachel, and he will think no more of fourteen 
year's servitude than young Jacob did. Well now this is exactly my case. I 
am in love i and my sweetheart is LIBERTY. Be that heavenly njmph my 
companion, and these wilds and woods shall have charms beyond London and 
Paris in slaveiy." The young officer was so struck with Marion's seutimetits, 
that he never rested until he threw up his commission, and retired from the 
British service. (Life of Marion.) 



166 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1780. 

saw-mills, and by concealing his men in the swamps and 
thickets, he avoided a regular engagement with the Brit- 
ish forces. 

7. In this state of things at the south, many of the peo- 
pie turned tories, and joined the British army. A large 
body of these men under Major Ferguson, was attacked 
by a band of choice riflemen, mounted on horse, and a 
force of militia. The battle was fought on the top of 
King's mountain, where Ferguson had posted his men. 
TJie enemy defended themselves with great bravery, till 
their leader fell, and then threw down their arms. About 
300 were killed or wounded, and 850 taken prisoners. 

8. About this time General Gates, on account of his 
ill success, was superseded in his command at the south, 
by General Green. The army was now at Charlotte, 
and poorly supplied with food and clothing. Green soon 
devised plans for harassing the enemy, and cutting off 
their stores ; but no general engagement took place, till 
after the commencement of another year. 

9. We must now turn to the affairs of the northern 
department. Washington's army was still lying in camp, 
watching the movements of the enemy, at New- York. 
A French fleet had arrived in New-England with an 
army of 5000 soldiers. But a more powerful fleet from 
England, prevented any combined operations, against the 
British forces. At this time the prospects of the country 
were truly alarming. Defeat disheartened the American 
forces at the south, and poverty and wretchedness at the 
north. 

10. In this gloomy state of affairs, the treachery of 
Arnold came to light. This officer, soon after the Brit- 
ish evacuated Philadelphia, was stationed in that city. 
His success in battle had given him great reputation in 

7. What took place on the top of King's Mountain? 

8. By whom was General Gates succeeded ? 

9. What were now the prospects of the country ? 

10. What was the conduct of Arnold in riiiladelphia? 



1780. WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 167 

tlie army, and filled his own mind with vanity and pride. 
By a course of luxury and excess he soon involved him- 
self deeply in debt. To support his extravagance he em- 
bezzled the public money. He was accused, tried by a 
court-martial, and sentenced to be reprimanded by the 
commander-in-chief. 

11. At this his pride was wounded, and he resolved on 
revenge. Sometime afterward, concealing his purpose, 
he applied to Washington for command of the very im- 
portant station at West-Point. His wish was granted, 
and he immediately wrote to the British general, and pro- 
posed to deliver the post into his hands. To accomplish 
this object, Major Andre* left New- York, sailed up the 
Hudson, and in the night, near West-Point, held a private 
interview with Arnold, and received from liim a full de- 
scription of the fort, the garrison, and the plan to be pur- 
sued. It was agreed that Arnold should receive 50,000 
dollars, and the office of general in the British army. 

12. When Andre was ready to return, he found that 
the vessel in which he came, had been compelled to move 
down the river. He now endeavored to reach New- York 
by land. Having received a pass from Arnold, he as- 
sumed the name of John Anderson^ and set out to return 
under the disguise of a traveler. Just before he reached 
New- York, he was stopped by three militia men, whom 
he supposed to be a British guard. Apprehending no 
danger, instead of showing his passport, he confessed him- 
self a British officer, on important business, and wished to 
proceed on. He was immediately arrested ; and finding 



11. What important post was placed under his command? 
What did lie propose to the British general? Who was sent to 
mature the plan for the surrender of West-Point ? 

12. What was the result? By whom was Andre stopped ? 
What were their names? A. John Paulding, David Williams, 
and Isaac Vanwert. 



* See the National Preceptor, Lesson 29. 



168 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



1780. 



himself in the hands of Americans, he offered his purse, 
his watch, and any reward they might ask, if he might be 
permitted to pass. 

VS. UnwilHng to betray their country for gold, they 
began to search his person, and finding papers in his boot, 



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CAPTURE OF ANDRE. 

they led him prisoner to colonel Jameson, who was sta- 
tioned on the American lines. By the urgent request of 
Andre, Jameson, suspecting no treason, immediately 
made known to Arnold, that Anderson was taken pri- 
soner. Arnold aware of his danger, fled from his post, and 
joined the British army. Andre was tried as a spy, con- 
victed and hung. He was a young man of fine talents, 
and of a noble, ingenuous disposition. It is said that 
Washington even wept, when he saw him led forth to be 
executed. Sir Henry Clinton exerted all his power to 
save his life. But the safety of the country demanded 



13. What did Arnold now do; 



1780. WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 169 

his death. Great exertions were made to arrest Arnold, 
but without success.* 

14. Arnold published an address to the American army, 
in which he reproached congress, and endeavored to in- 
duce the soldiers and officers to join the ranks of the 
enemy. But his address was regarded with the utmost 
contempt. His character was now branded with infamy ; 
and detested wherever it was known. He stands alone, 
among all the officers of the Revolution, as a traitor to the 
cause of his country. 

14. How was he regarded by ihe Americans? 

*Tlns hazardous enterprise was iindtrtaken by an officer, under General 
Lee, by the name of JOHN CHA.MPE,a native of Virginia, and a man of great 
courage and perseverance. To accomplish his object, it was necessary for liim 
to desert the American camj), go to New-York, and join the British. Having 
matured the plan with Major Lee, Champe mounted his horse about eleven 
o'clock at night, and stealing silently away, set out for New-York. As he was 
passing the lines, one of the p;itrol hailed him ; but putting spurs to his horse, 
he made his escape. Ihe c;iptain of the guard immediately waited on Lee 
and informed him that one of the dragoons had deserted the camp. Lee wish- 
ing to conceal the flight of Champe, made as much delay as possible in fur- 
nishing written orders for the pursuit. About an hour after Champe had started, 
a company of pursuers set off on the chase. By frequentlv examining the road 
they kept on his track, and in tlie morniiig a few miles from New-York they 
descried the deserter about half a mile distant. Champe, who was on the look- 
out, perceived his pursuers at the same lime. A close pui-suit now continued 
for several miles, till Champe fearing he should be overliiken, drew near to 
the Hudson, threw himself from his horse, lashed his valise to his shoulders, and 
calling loudly to some British in boats at no great distance, he plunged into the 
river. After a tew shot, upon liis pursuers, the British took him on board and 
soon carried him to New-York. When the pursuers returned to head-quar- 
ters with Champe's horse, the agony of Major Lee, for a moment, was |)ast de- 
scription, lest the faithful, honorable, intrepid Champe had fallen. But his fears 
were soon removed, and he hastened to inform Washington of the success, thus 
far, of his plan. Champe, shortly after his arrival in New-York, enlisted into 
Arnold's legion, and by careful observation, soon became well acquainted with 
the habits of the general. He discovered that >t was his custom to return home 
about twelve every night, and that before going to bed he always visited the 
garden. Having found two companions, who entered fully into his plans, 
Chami)e proposed to seize Arnold in the garden, gag him, convey him through 
the alleys and streets to a boat, which should be in readiness to cari^ him across 
the river to Hoboken ; and in case of being questioned, rejjresent Arnold as 
a drunken soldier, whom they were carrying to the guard-house. Cliampe 
communicated Iiis plan to Lee, who, on the night appointed, repaired to Ho- 
boken ardently hoping there to meet his friend with the traitor. But unfortunate- 
ly it happened, that on the very day preceedingthat night, Arnold had removed 
his quarters to another pait of the city, and that Cliampe with the other sol- 
diei-s had been ordered on board of the fleet, destined for the invasion of Vir- 
ginia. Nor did he escape from the British service till months afterwards. At 
length, seizing a favorable opportunity, he deserted the camp of the enemy and 
retuniing to the American army, was received by Lee and by Washington w ith 
many marks of gratitude and honor. (Lee's Memoirs.) 

15 



170 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1780, 

15. The American soldiers in their winter quarters, 
again suffered all the miseries of famine and nakedness. 
Their wants were not supplied, till they had revolted and 
threatened to desert the camp. One body of 1300 men, 
left their quarters and set out for Philadelphia, to demand 
redress of their wrongs. One officer in attempting to op- 
pose their designs was killed. At length general Wayne 
appeared in front of the line, and presenting his pistol, 
threatened to fire. They charged their bayonets and 
said, " we love and respect you ; but if you fire, you are 
a dead man. Do not mistake us. We are not going 
to the enemy. On the contrary, were they now to appear, 
you should see us fight under your orders with as much 
resolution and alacrity as ever. But we will be amused 
no longer ; we are determined to obtain what is our just 
due." Saying this, they proceeded on their march. 

16. When they arrived at Princeton, three emissaries 
appeared, who tried to hire them to join the British army.. 
They at once seized them as spies, and expressed great 
indignation at their proposal. The soldiers were soon 
met by a committee from congress, who satisfied their 
demands, and persuaded them to return to the camp. 
They received their wages in specie, and exhibited great 
manifestations of joy. Thus closed the events of 1780. 



TERMINATION OF THE WAR. 

1. Soon after General Greene took command of the 
American forces at the south, he sent out general Morgan, 
with about 1000 men, to cut off the tory parties in the 



15. What was the situation of the soldiers in their winter quar- 
ters ? How many started off in a body for Philadelphia ? Why ? 
What did General Wayne do ? 

16. What was the result of this movement? 

1. What did General Greene do ? Who was sent in pursuit 
of Morgan ? 



1781. 



TERMINATION OF THE WAR. 



171 



western part of South Carolina. Cornwallis perceiving 
this movement, sent Tarleton in pursuit of him. Morgan 
finding liis antagonist much superior in force, retreated as 
far as Cowpcns,* where he put his men in readiness to 
meet the enemy. 

2. On the 17th of January, 1781, Tarleton confident 
of victory, drew up his troops, and led them on to the 
charge. Morgan's militia line broke and fled. His regu- 
lar troops stood the shock and fought with great ardor. 




BATTLE OF COWPENS. 

Soon the enemy pressed on, and Morgan ordered a 
retreat. In the pursuit, the British were thrown into dis- 
order, and the continentals turning upon them, cut them 
down with great slaughter. The enemy vv ere defeated with 
a loss of 300 killed or wounded, and 500 taken prisoners. 
Of the Americans, only 12 men were killed, and 60 
wounded. 

2. Describe the battle of Cowpens ? 



Cowpens, a town in the iiorllieru puit of South-Carolina, in Union County. 



172 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1781. 

3. Immediately after this victory^ Morgan set off with 
liis trophies on a rapid march towards Virginia. Corn- 
wallis mortified at so great a loss, determined to cut them 
off before they had crossed Catawba river. For twelve 
days the chase was so close, that the Americans crossed 
the river Catawba, only two hours before the British arri- 
ved, and encamped on the opposite side. Before the next 
morning a heavy rain fell which made the ford impassable. 
Three days after, Cornwallis crossed the river and con- 
tinued the chase. 

4. By this time, General Greene had rode 150 miles 
across the country to join Morgan. Having sent the 
prisoners to Charlotteville, he continued to retreat, and 
before his army had all crossed the river Yadkin, the 
British appeared and cut off part of his baggage. That 
night a flood of rain made this river also impassable. 
The Americans now thought themselves specially favor- 
ed of heaven. But soon the enemy forded the river and 
re-commenced pursuit. The race was now for the river 
Dan, more than 100 miles distant. The last 24 hours 
the Americans marched 40 miles, and their boats had 
scarcely reached the northern shore, when the foe appear- 
ed on the opposite side. 

5. The British vexed and worn out with fatigue, now 
retired to Hillsborough. During this retreat the Ameri- 
cans were in great distress for want of food and shoes. 
Their bare feet marked the frozen ground with blood ;* 
and even their general was glad to receive a crust of 

3. Describe the movements of Morgan and Cornwallis. 

4. Describe the race of the British and Americans through 
North Carohna? 

5. What is said of the Americans during this retreat ? 



* About tliis time, as General Greene wns passin>» a sentinel who was bare- 
footed, he said to him, "• I tVar, my li^ood illlow, you suftVr much from the se- 
vere cold." " I do very much," said tlie soldier, " but 1 do not complain. I know 
I should fare belter, liad our general the nieans of getting supplies. They say 
however in a few days we shall have a battle, and tlien 1 shall take care to se- 
cure a pair of shoes." 



1781. TERMINATION OF THE WAR. 173 

bread from a common soldier. In Virginia the army 
was refreshed and strengthened with a force of militia. 

6. Greene soon returned to North Carolina to encou- 
rage the whigs. Here several bands of tories were sur- 
prised and killed or taken prisoners. On the 15th of 
March, a severe battle was fought between the two armies 
at Guilford Court-House. On the 25th of April, another 
was fought on Hobkirk's hill. In these engagements the 
loss was about the same on each side. 

7. About this time, the brave patriots Sumpter and 
Marion, took several important posts from the enemy in 
South Carolina. Fort Watson, fort Motte, fort Granby, 
Georgetown and Orangeburg, were all subdued by the 
Americans, and the garrisons taken prisoners. Augusta 
was taken by General Lee ; and the strong post of the 
British, at Ninety-Six,* was besieged by the American ar- 
my. Hearing that Lord Rawdon was advancing with a 
strong reinforcement, Greene, on the 18th of June, made 
a violent assault upon the fort ; but was repulsed with 
some loss. 

8. No general engagement again occurred till the 8th 
of September, when a most bloody battle was fought at 
Eutaw springs. The British at first were put to rout, and 
compelled to fly. The victory would have been entirely 
on the side of the Americans, had not the enemy, in their 
flight, thrown themselves into a large brick house, from 
which they cut down their pursuers with terrible slaughter. 
The number of killed and wounded was in all 1400 ; or 



6. Where were battles fought ? 

7. What places were taken by the Americans ? What did 
General Greene do on the 18th of June ? 

8. Describe the battle of Eutaw springs ? Where are Eu- 
taw springs? A. Near the Santee river, about 50 miles north of 
Charleston. 



•Ninety-Six was about 150 miles north-west of Charleston, near the Saluda 
river. 

15* 



174 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1781. 

about 700 on each side. Victory was claimed on both 
sides. The enemy soon retreated to Charleston.* 

9. The achievements of Greene, with his brave but 
feeble army, astonished his friends, 9,nd mortified his ene- 
mies. The posts of the British in the back country of 
Georgia and the Carolinas, had nearly all been taken. 
The American army had endured the most complicated 

9. What is said of party feeling at the south ? 

* While the British were at Charleston, an event occurred which excited 
universal sjmpathy and indifjnation. iJiis was the execution of Colonel Isaac 
Hayneof South-Carolina ; a man, who, by his amiability of character and high 
sentiments of honor and uprightness, had secured thi- good-will and esteem 
of all who knew him. He had a wife and six small children, the eldest a boy 
thirteen years of age. His wife, to whom he was tenderly attached, fell a victim 
to disease ; an event hastened not inipiobably by the inconveniences and suffer- 
ings incident to a stateof war, in which the whole family largely participated. 
Colonel Hayne Inmself was taken prisoner by the Englisli forces, aiidin a short 
time was executed on the gallows, under circumstances calculated to excite 
the deepest commiseration. A great number ol' persons, both Englishmen and 
Americans, interceded for his life; the ladies of Charleston signed a petition 
in his behalf; his motherless children were presented on their bended knees as 
humble suitors for their beloved father ; but all in vain. During the imprison- 
ment of the father, his eldest son was j)ermitted to stay with him in prison. Be- 
holding his only surviving parent, for whom he felt the deepest affection, 
loaded with irons and condemned to die, he was overwhelmed with conster- 
nation and sorrow. The wretched father endeavored to console him, by re- 
minding him, that the unavailing grief of his son tended only to increase his 
own misei-y, that we came into this world merely to prepare for a better, that 
he was jiiuiself prepared to die, and could even rejoice that his troubles were so 
near an end. ' To-morrow,' said he, ' I set out for immoitality ; you will ac- 
comi)any me to the place of mj^ execution ; and when I am dead, take my body 
and bury it by the side of your mother.' The youth here fell on his father's 
neck, crying, ' Oh, my father, my fathor, I die with you !' Colonel Hayne, as 
he was loaded with irons, was unable to return the embrace of his son, and 
merely said to him in reply, ' Live, my son, to honor God byagoodlife; live 
to serve your country ; and live to take care of your brother and little sisters.' 
The next morning, proceeds the narrative of these distressing events. Colonel 
Hayne was conducted to the place of execution. His son accompanied him. 
Soon as they came in sight of the gallows, the father strengthened himself and 
said, ' Now, my son, show yourself a man ! That tree is the boundary of my 
life, and all of my life's sorrows. Beyond that the wicked cease from troubling 
and the weary are at rest. Don't lay too much at heart our separation ; it will 
be short. 'Twas but lately your dear mother died. To-day I die. And you, 
my son, though but young, must shortly follow us.' ' Yes, my father,' replied 
the broken-hearted youth, ' I shall shortly follow jou, for indeed I feel that I 
cannot live long.' And this melancholy anticipation was fulfilled in a manner 
more dreadfid than is implied in the mere extinction of life. On seeing his 
father in the hands of the executioner, and then struggling in the halter, he 
stood like one transfixed and motionless with horror. Till then, proceeds the 
narration, he had wept incessantly ; but as soon as he saw that, the fountain of 
his tears was staunched, and he never wept more. He died insane ; and in his 
last moments often called on his father, in terms that brought tears from the 
hardest hearts." (Life of Marion.) 



1781. TERMINATION OF THE WAR. ]75 

sufferings, with a degree of fortitude worthy of all com- 
mendation. But distress was not confined to the army. 
The rage of party feeling divided the people ; and drove 
men of the same village, and often of the same family, to 
arms against each other. The death of one man inspired 
hundreds with the spirit of revenge, and led them to plun- 
der, burn and murder, without restraint. Thus the whole 
community were carried away with a spirit of mutual 
jealousy and deadly strife. 

10. Virginia was invaded in the month of January, by 
a strong British force under General Philips, and the trai- 
tor Arnold. They immediately began a course of plun- 
der, in which they destroyed much valuable property. In 
May, Cornwallis arrived from North Carolina with addi- 
tional forces, and took chief command. At this time La- 
fayette was at Richmond with an army of 3000 men. 
Cornwallis having a much greater force, now desired to 
meet him in battle. But Lafayette skillfully avoided him, 
till he was joined by General Wayne, and then advanced 
against the enemy. Cornwallis retreated and fortified his 
troops at Yorktown. 

11. While these affairs were going on at the south, 
Washington, in conjunction with the French troops, was 
preparing to attack New-York. For this purpose he ex- 
pected 6000 men from the northern states. But before 
they came in, the enemy were reinforced with fresh troops 
from Europe. Hearing that a French fleet was on the 
way to the Chesapeake, Washington determined to march 
his forces against Cornwallis, in Virginia. 

12. Clinton, who still commanded the British forces at 

10. When and by whom was Virginia invaded? [When 
did Cornwallis arrive ? Why did Cornwallis retreat to York- 
town ? Where is Yorktown ? A. It is in Virginia on York river, 
11 miles from its mouth. 

11. What was Washington doing at this time? 

12. What did Clinton do? Why did Washington determine 
to march against Cornwallis in Yorktown .'' 



176 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1781. 

New- York, had intercepted letters from Washington by 
which he discovered his design of besieging tliat city. He 
at once made preparations for a vigorous defense. But 
while he was thus engaged, Washington seized a favora- 
ble opportunity to commence his march against Cornwal- 
lis, and had crossed the Delaware before Clinton suspect- 
ed his design. 

13. To arrest the march of Washington, and call him 
back to the north, Clinton sent the treacherous Arnold 
with a strong force against Nevv-London. He first sent 
a part of his force to attack fort Griswold, which stood 
nearly opposite to that city, and guarded the river 
Thames. The brave garrison made a gallant defense, 
but were soon overpowered. When all resistance had 
ceased a British officer inquired, " Who commands this 
fort." Colonel Ledyard, presenting his sword, replied, 
" I did, sir, but you do now." The officer seized the 
sword, and plunged it into Ledyard's breast. Then fol- 
lowed a horrid massacre, in wliich 120, nearly all the gar- 
rison, w^ere literally butchered. Arnold now entered 
New-London ; and after burning the city and destroying 
a vast amount of property, hastily returned to New- 
York. 

14. On the 13th of August, the French fleet arrived in 
the Chesapeake ; and soon after a British fleet appeared. 
On the 5th of September, a battle was fought, in which 90 
of the British were killed and 246 wounded. Their ships 
were greatly damaged, and one seventy-four was so much 
shattered, that she w^as afterwards burnt. The British 
Admiral was now obliged to return to New.York, for the 



13. Who was sent against New-London ? What was done at 
Fort Griswold? If the British officer who commanded the troops 
that took the fort, had been a brave and honorable man, Ijow 
would he have treated Colonel Ledyard ? 

14. When did the French fleet arrive in the Chesapeake .'' What 
happened on the 5th of September.^ 



1781. TERMINATION OF THE WAR. 177 

purpose of refitting his ships. This gave the French fleet 
full command of the Chesapeake. 

15. Washington soon arrived in Virginia, and found the 
French fleet and soldiers ready to co-operate with him 
in besieging the enemy. CornwalUs had a force of 
10,000 men, and occupied two points of land, Gloucester 
and Yorktown, each side of York river. Washington, 
with the French forces, now mustered an army of 16,000 
men, and had a good supply of cannon and ammunition. A 
strong detachment was stationed, in guard of the enemy, 
on Gloucester point, while the main body laid siege to 
Yorktown. 

16. Several batteries were soon completed, and on the 
9th of October the roar of cannonade began. For two days 
an incessant fire continued, which greatly shattered the 
enemy's works. On the night of the 11th, advancing 
within 60 rods, the besiegers threw up a second Une, and 
opened a still more tremendous fire. This Hne was ex- 
posed to a raking discharge from the enemy, in advance 
of their line of battery. Washington ordered his men to 
take these forts by storm. They were soon carried at the 
point of the bayonet, and the cannon in them turned 
against the British line. 

17. Cornwallis now began to devise some mode of es- 
cape. He prepared boats to transport his army across 
the river to Gloucester, intending to proceed from thence 
to New- York. But a violent storm defeated his plan. 
The besiegers were now fast advancing upon him, and his 
own batteries were tottering under then' cannonade. In 
this hopeless state he was obliged to submit, and on the 
19th of October terms of surrender were accepted on both 
sides. The number of prisoners was over 7000. 



15. How many men had Cornwallis? Washington? 

16. When did the Americans and French commence cannona- 
ding the English ? 

17. When did Cornwallis surrender ? 



178 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



1781. 




SURRENDER OF CORNWALLIS. 

18. Cornwallis was denied the lienors of war, as they 
liad been denied to General Lincoln, at Charleston, who 
was now present and appointed to receive the sword of 
the British general. This ceremony was performed on 
the camp ground of the victorious army. The news of 
this evqnt spread universal joy throughout the country. 
All hearts united in praise and thanksgiving to God for 
this signal blessing, which, it was confidcntl}^ expected, 
would terminate the struggle for their independence. 
Washington ordered divine service throughout the army. 
Congress proceeded in solemn procession to the house of 
God, to acknowledge their grateful sense of this special 
favor. 

19. The capture of Cornwallis, and his army, was in- 

18. Who received the sword of Cornwallis ? Why? What 
effect had this vi(;tnry on the nation ? To whom was praise ren- 
dered for this blessing? 

19. How did the English nation feel about the continnance of 
the war.^ Who were appointed agents for the United Stales to 
conclude terms of peace ? V\'hen and where were preliniinaty 
articles signed ? 



1783. TERMINATION OF THE WAR. 179 

deed the final blow. The voice of the whole British na- 
tion now called loudly for the immediate termination of 
the war. The king was obstinate, but the people demand- 
ed peace. The next spring, just eight years after the bat- 
tle of Lexington, peace was proposed by Great Britain, 
and hostilities ceased. John Adams, Benjamin Frankhn, 
John Jay and Henry Laurens, were appointed agents for 
the United States to conclude terms of peace. On the 
SOth of November, 1782, preliminary articles were signed 
at Paris, and on the 19th of April 1783, a formal procla- 
mation of the cessation of hostilities was made through 
the army. The remnants of the British troops began to 
leave the country. In November the American army 
was disbanded. 

20. New- York was evacuated on the 25th of Novem- 
ber, 1783. On the same day, Washington entered that 
city, and there, soon after, took an affectionate leave of 
his officers. He thence proceeded to Annapolis, where 
congress was then in session, and on the 25th of Decem- 
ber, with true dignity and deep feeling, resigned his com- 
mission as commander-in-chief. Thus did Washington, 
instead of assuming the power of a military despot, retire 
to the peaceful enjoyment of private life. 

21. The enemy had now left the coast of America. 
The pubhc mind was relieved from the excitement of 
defending the country, and each individual began to reflect 
upon his own private calamities. Many had been ru- 
ined by the devastations of the war ; many had loaned 
all their wealth, on the credit of government ; but now 
public and private credit had sunk together, under the 
general poverty of the country. 



20. When was New-York evacuated? What is the meaning 
of evacuated ? ^Vhen did Washington enter New-York? When 
did he resign his commission as commander-in-chief of the 
American army ? 

21. What was the situation of the United States at the close 
of the war ? 



180 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1787, 

22. Congress had found during the war, that the power 
conferred by the federal compact was totally inadequate 
to the wants of a national government. It gave no power 
to congress to levy a tax upon the people, or provide for 
a pubhc revenue. Although the nations of Europe had 
acknowledged the independence and national character 
of the United States, yet congress had no power to enter 
into commercial treaties with these nations. In this state 
of affairs, the commercial interests of New-England 
were almost entirely destroyed. Insurrections broke 
out, and the people by thousands armed themselves 
against pubHc authority. 

23. It was now evident to all the patriotic statesmen 
of that period, that a great change must be effected in 
the general government. Commissioners from six states 
assembled at Annapolis, in September, 1786, and after 
deliberating sometime, proposed to congress, that a general 
convention of delegates from all the states should be 
called, for the purpose of revising the articles of con- 
federation. 

24. Accordingly, in May, 1787, delegates from all the 
states except Rhode-Island, assembled at Philadelphia, 
and unanimously elected General Washington president 
of the convention. This august body, after four months* 
deliberation, agreed upon a new constitution, and on the 
17th of September presented it to congress, wliich body 



22. Was the federal compact adapted to the wants of the na- 
tion ? In what was it deficient ? 

23. "When did commissioners assemble at Annapolis.'' From 
how many states .'' From which states? A. New- York, New- 
Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. What 
did they propose to congress ? 

24. When and where did delegates meet.'' Who was elected 
president of the convention.'' What did they do.' What did 
congress do ? How many states accepted the new constitution .'' 
What were those called who accepted it .' J. Federalists. Those 
who opposed it.-* .d. Anti-federalists. When was it ratified by 
congress ? How many states wer« there at that time ? 



1789. TERMINATION OF THE WAR. 181 

soon after sent it to the several states for their considera- 
tion. The supreme power of the nation, according to 
the new constitution, was to be placed in the hands of a 
president, senate, and house of representatives, to be 
chosen by the people of the several states. Some of the 
states adopted the constitution immediately, without hesi- 
tation. But in others it met with violent opposition. It 
was, however, accepted by tne states, and was ratified by 
congress, July 14th, 1788. The 4th of March, 1789, was 
fixed on as the time when the new system of government 
should go into operation. Representatives and senators 
were chosen in the different states to constitute a congress, 
and electors appointed to choose a president and°vice« 
president under the new constitution. 



16 



mSTOSIY OF THE fJ]VITEi> STATES. 




SITUATION OF AMERICA AT THE PRESENT TIME. 



FERIO© IV. 

Comprises the events that occurred from the adoption of 
the Constitution to the present time. 

1. By this time the United States had taken an hono- 
rable rank among civilized nations. The old world had 



What events are comprised in the fiiurtli period ? 

1. How did the old worhl regard the affairs of this country ? 
What was expected of Washington ? Who was Napoleon 
Bonaparte? Wliatdoyoii think of his character as compared 
with that of Washington ? What measures were soon devised ? 



1789. Washington's administration. 183 

watched her progress with the deepest interest, and be- 
held, with the highest admiration, the conduct of Wash- 
ington. Many expected that the man who held the hearts 
of the American people would, like Napoleon, establish 
himself an emj^eror over them. But Washington, who 
had served his country, not from ambition, but from the 
promptings of the purest patriotism, claimed no other 
rights or powers than those of a private citizen. Mea- 
sures for internal improvement were soon liberally de- 
vised, so that by means of canals and rail-roads, any part 
of this extensive countiy can now be visited in a few 
days. 

2. In the spring of 1789, the members of the new 
congress assembled at New- York, and when the votes 
were counted, it was found that George Washington had 
been unanimously elected president of the United States. 
The inauguration took place on the 30th of April, in the 
presence of a vast multitude, who v/ere delighted to see 
the highest office of the nation conferred on the illustri- 
ous hero of the revolution. John Adams was chosen 
vice-president. 

3. Congress now imposed duties on imported goods, 
and upon the tonnage of vessels, for the purpose of esta- 
blishing a revenue for tlie support of government. The 
president, with the concurrence and assent of the senate, 
appointed Thomas Jefferson secretary of state, Alexander 
Hamilton, secretary of the treasury, and General Knox, 



2. Who was elected the first president? Vice-president? 
When did the inauguration take place? 

3. Wliat did congress do to establish a revenue ? Wliat sec- 
retaries were appointed ? How were they appointed ? What 
other department was organized ? Of how many judges did the 
supreme court of the United States consist at its organization? 
A. Of one chief justice and five associate judges. John Jay of 
Tsew-York, was appointed chief justice; John Kutledge of 
South Carolina, William Gushing, INlassachusetts, R. H. Harri- 
son, Maryland, James Wilson, Pennsylvania, and John Blair, 
Virginia, associate judges. 



184 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1789. 

secretaiy of war. A judiciary department was also 
organized. John Jay was appointed chief justice, and 
Edmund Randolph, attorney-general. Several amend- 
ments to the constitution were proposed, and afterwards 
accepted. 

4. Washington, soon after congress adjourned, visited 
the New-England states. Never was a king received 
with such unfeigned applause and sincere affection. 
Multitudes traveled many miles to enjoy the luxury of 
seeing the man whom all acknowledged to be the father 
of his country. The officers and soldiers of the " patriot 
army" wept tears of joy at the sight of their beloved 
general. Washington felt for them a sort of parental 
regard, and sought, in many ways, to reward their ser- 
vices in behalf of their country. 

5. At the opening of the next session of congress, 
the president strongly recommended that some effectual 
measures should be adopted for establishing public credit. 
Mr. Hamilton, in his able report on the state of the trea- 
sury, proposed a plan for this object. He estimated the 
public debt at fifty-four millions of dollars. About twelve 
millions wei'e due to France and Holland. Besides this, 
debts amounting to more than twenty millions had been 
contracted by the several states in support of the war. 
Hamilton proposed that these debts should all be assumed 
by the general government, and paid out of the public 
treasury. 

6. These, and other measures proposed by the secre- 
tary of the treasury, were strongly opposed by the re- 
publican party. It was contended that men had taken 
advantage of the low state of public credit, and bought 



4. When did Washington visit the New-England states? 

5- What did the president recommend at tlie opening of the 
next session of congress ? What did Mr. Hamilton propose ? 

6. Why was it contended that the present holders of certifi- 
cates should not receive the full amount mentioned in them ? 
Do you think they ought to have received tlie wiiole amount? 



1791. Washington's adbiinistration. 185 

up for a small price, certificates of security against the 
government, and that the present holders were not justly 
entitled to receive more than they had paid. To this it 
was answered, that the government originally promised 
to pay the whole, and the reason why these securities had 
depreciated, was owing to its neglect to fulfil this promise ; 
and now to preserve the public faith, the whole must be 
paid. For the general government to assume the debts 
contracted by the states, it was said, would be dangerous 
to the sovereignty of the states. But these objections 
were ably answered, and after some debate, the plan with 
some modifications was adopted. The whole debt was 
about seventy-five millions of dollars. Upon a part of 
this, three per cent, interest was to be paid, and upon the 
remainder six per cent. 

7. The country throughout, soon felt the good effect 
of these measures. Money was plenty ; public and pri- 
vate credit was again restored; business of all kinds 
began to flourish. Agreeably to a recommendation of 
Alexander Flamilton, secretary of the treasury, in 1791, 
a bill was introduced into congress, for estabhshing a 
national bank with a capital of ten millions of dollars. 
This was strongly opposed by the repubhcan party. It 
was contended that banks were unnecessary, and that 
by the constitution, congress was not vested with the 
competent power to establish a national bank. After a 
debate of great length, the bill was passed by 'a majority 
of nineteen votes. Washington, now being called upon 



7. In what year was the first bank of the United States char- 
tered ? What is necessary for a bill to become a law? A. It 
must pass tiie house of representatives and the senate by a ma- 
jority of votes. It is then sent to the president, and if he ap- 
proves the bill, he signs his name to it, and it then becomes a 
law. If he disapprove of it, he sends it back to the senate with- 
out signing it, with his reasons for so doing. This is called 
vetoing the bill. For what length of time was the old United 
Slates Bank chartered .' A. Its charter extended to the 4th of 
May, 1811. 

16* 



186 HISTORY OF THE UjjiteD STATES. 1791. 

to examine it with reference to its reception or rejection, 
required from the heads of departments their opinions in 
writing. Mr. Jefferson, secretary of state, and Mr. 
Randolph, attorney-general, considered the bill as deci- 
dedly unconstitutional. Mr. Hamilton maintained the 
opposite opinion with equal decision. After weighing 
their opinions, and examining the subject in ail its rela- 
tions, Washington became satisfied of the constitution - 
ahty and utility of the bill, and accordingly gave it the 
sanction of liis name. 

8. In 1791, Vermont was admitted into the union as 
an independent state. In 1724, the people of Massa- 
chusetts erected a fort on the Connecticut river, as a pro- 
tection against the Indians. This was called fort Dum- 
mer, and was the first settlement within the limits of Ver- 
mont. Its territory was claimed by both New- York and 
New-Hampsliire. These conflicting claims were for 
several years matter of hot contention. But in 1777, 
the people declared themselves independent, and formed 
a distinct government. During the war, the militia of 
this state displayed great zeal in the common cause of 
the country. Kentucky was admitted into the union in 
1792. The first settlement in that territory was com- 
menced at Boonsboro, in 1775, under the guidance of 
Colonel Daniel Boon. Although the inhabitants suffered 
greatly from the hostility of the Indians, it increased 
rapidly in population, and in less than twenty years from 
its first settlement, was made an independent state. 

9. The amount of revenue in 1791, was 4,800,000 
dollars. The amount of imports was 20 millions, and 
of exports about 19 milhons. At this time the condition 

8. What state was admitted into the Union in 1791 ? What is 
requisite for a territory to be admitted into the Union as an inde- 
pendent state ? Jl. It must contain GU,000 inhabitants, form a 
state government, and ado[)t the constitution of the United States. 
When was Kentucky admitted into the Union? 

9. What did the revenue amount to in 1791 f What was the 
population ? 



1792. Washington's administration. 187 

of the country was rapidly improving. The stability of 
government, and the increase of population, encouraged 
the spirit of enterprise in every department of business. 
According to the census, which was completed this year, 
the number of inhabitants in the United States was nearly 
four millions. 

10. But the country was not yet entirely free from the 
calamities of Indian warfare. The tribes north-west of 
the Ohio, which could bring into the field 5000 warriors, 
were still harassing the frontier settlements. Aii army 
of .1500 men, under General Warner, was sent against 
them. But in two engagements his troops were defeated. 
Not long after. General St. Clair, with 2000 men, marched 
against the savages. On the 4th of November, 1791, 
his camp was surrounded, and a destructive fire poured 
upon his men. His troops were soon arrayed for defense, 
but the enemy, concealed behind trees and rocks, could 
not be resisted by a regular charge. 

11. This unequal contest continued for several hours. 
At length St. Clair, fearing that his men would be entirely 
cut off, ordered a retreat. The enemy pursued for some 
time, and then returned to plunder the camp of the whites. 
Before the engagement St. Clair's forces had been re- 
duced to about 1400 men. Of these, more than 900 
were killed of wounded by this fatal assault. Congress 
was now alarmed lest a general v/ar should spread along 
the whole frontier. A bill was passed for enlisting a 
regular army of 5000 men. 

1 2. The constitution provides that the president shall 
hold his office four years. His term having expired, 

10. Give some acxount of the Indian wars at this time. 

11. In view of these hostilities what bill was passed by con- 
gress .'' 

12. How long does the president hold his office ^ When was 
Washington re-elected ? How were the people divided ? By 
what names were these parties known .'' A. Republican and 
federal. Who stood at the head of the republican party i W lio 
at the head of the federal party .-' 



188 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1792. 

Washington was unanimously re-elected to that office in 
1793. Mr. Adams was re-elected vice-president, in op- 
position to George Clinton, who was supported as a rival 
candidate. Party spirit now began to prevail, and divide 
the people in all parts of the country. But such was 
the confidence of the nation in the wisdom and integrity 
of Washington, that all parties were unanimous in sup- 
porting him. Mr. Hamilton stood at the head of the 
federal party, and Mr. Jefferson at the head of the repub- 
lican. Each party accused the other of designs against 
the true interests of the country. The federalists were 
reproached as the enemies of hberty, and as being in 
favor of a monarchy, and a titled nobility, and the repub- 
licans were denounced as the friends of anarchy, and 
opposed to all good institutions whatever. But in both 
parties, there were doubtless good men, and zealous 
patriots. 

13. At tills time France was undergoing the horrors 
of a bloody revolution. That nation had become dis- 
satisfied with their regal government, and inspired by the 
success of the American revolution, the people had risen 
in a mass to throw off the shackles of monarchy, and 
establish over themselves a republican form of govern- 
ment. Blood and carnage spread horror and gloom in 
all directions. The king, the queen, and many thousands 
of noble rank, were put to death. The friends of roy- 
alty, of whatever class, either fell by a common slaughter, 
or escaped from the country. 

14. These excesses in France, produced a strong re- 
action in America. Many, who had regarded with favor 
the struggles of this people for freedom, began to con- 
sider almost any condition of a country better than that, 
in which all the sacred institutions of government and 
religion are swept away with the best blood of the 
nation. Yet a strong sympathy was felt in favor of 

13, 14. What was France undergoing at this time ? 



1793. Washington's administration. 189 

France, especially by the republican party, who were 
confident that these first excesses would be followed by 
moderation, peace, and good government. 

15. In this state of excitement the citizen Genet ar- 
rived, May 1793, at Charleston, as minister of the French 
republic. He was every where received with enthusiastic 
applause, and the liighest marks of attachment. He im- 
mediately assumed the power of authorizing privateers 
to cruise against the enemies of France. The president 
at once forbid the course he was pursuing. He then 
appealed to the people, but soon found liimself deserted, 
and his measures every where condemned. The party 
to which he was attached in France, did not long retain 
its power, and the next year Genet was superseded by 
the arrival of a new minister. 

16. General Wayne, who had been prosecuting the 
war against the Indians, after many vain attempts to bring 
them to terms of peace, marched against them at the 
head of 3000 men. On the 20th of August 1794, he 
met about 2000 warriors on the banks of the Miami river. 
Wayne led up his men with a furious charge upon the 
enemy, drove them from their coverts, and pursued them 
at the point of the bayonet. The savages were com- 
pletely routed, their houses burned, and their towns laid 
waste. This victory gave peace and security to the ter- 
ritory of Ohio. 

17. For several years the people in the western part 
of Pennsylvania, had made great complaints against the 
law imposing a tax upon spiritous liquors. Combinations 
had been formed, the officers of government were resisted 
and threatened, and several thousands conspired for the 
purpose of compelling congress to repeal the offensive 
laws. In Aug. 1794, the president issued his proclamation, 

15. Who arrived in 1793? What power did he assume? 
What did the president do? 

IG. Describe Wayne's expedition against the Indians. 
17. Describe tlio rebellion in Pennsylvania. 



190 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1795. 

commanding' the insurgents to disperse. This not having 
the desired effect, he ordered out an army of 15,000 men, 
to enforce public authority. Against this force, the rebels 
made no resistance, and no blood was shed. The leaders 
were tried and convicted of treason, but were afterwards 
pardoned. 

18. About this time the tranquillity of the nation was 
threatened by the conduct of Great Britain. Since the 
peace of 1783, many things had happened to excite the 
hostility of the Americans. After war v/as again de- 
clared between England and France, the British govern- 
ment had adopted measures, which greatly interfered 
with the prosperity of American commerce.* To pre- 
vent the calamity of a war, Washington sent Mr. Jay to 
the British court, with full power to conclude a commer- 
cial treaty. 

19. In the spring of 1795, Mr. Jay's treaty was laid 
before congress. The republican party assailed most of 
its stipulations with violent opposition. The people gene- 

18. What happened about this time ? Who was sent to the 
British court? 

19. How did the people regard Jay's treaty .'' How did 
Washington regard it .-' 

* In 1793, Great Britain, for the purpose of distressing' France and sliacklinjj 
the commerce of the United States, passed an act proliihiling the exportation 
of jjrain to France, and authorizing the capture of neutral vessels en^'afjed in 
carrying it thither. In consequence of this, a great numlier of Amencan ves- 
tels were captured and carried to England. This act m as followed by another 
et^ually offensive. Her armed ships were authorized to capture all vessels ladeu 
-with goods fiom France or her colonies, or engaged in carrying provisions or 
supplies to eitlu r. '1 lie Aniencans \\ere indignant nt these oppressive mea- 
sures, and contended that "free ships made free goods;" or in other words, 
that all property on board neutral vissels, except contraband goods, had a right 
to passliee troui seizure and confiscation. Another odious measure was justly 
complained of. Great Britain claimed the right of searching cur vessels and 
compelling her seamen, wherever found, to serve on board her armed ships. 
This right of inn)ressment was not confined to our ports, but her ships of w ar 
Avere in the habit of stopping vesst Is at sea, and taking from them sucli as they 
claimed were English sailors. Now, as the Ameiicans and the English sj)oke 
the same language, and were nuuh alike in many other respei!ts,it would be 
difficult to distinguish between individuals of the two nations. Hence we see, 
thatthe right of impressment was liable to great abiise, and great numbers of 
American citizens were impressed and compelled to serve on board of BvstisU 
ships. 



1795. Washington's administration. 191 

rally throughout tlie country denounced the treaty. But 
the president, believing its provisions as favorable as could 
be obtained at that time, ratified it. This act of their, 
beloved Washington soon silenced the clamors of the 
people. This treaty proved highly advantageous to 
American commerce, and saved the country from the 
poverty and distress wliich must have attended a war 
with England. 

20. At this time the province of Louisiana was in the 
possession of Spain. Several unsuccessful attempts had 
been made to negotiate with that nation respecting the 
navigation of the Mississippi. The people of Kentucky, 
\\hose interests were at stake, now became clamorous in 
their demands on the general government, and even made 
preparations to invade the Spanish province. But after 
Spain become involved in war with France, she consented 
to negotiate. Thomas Pinckney was sent to Madrid, 
and in October 1795, a treaty was signed, which secured 
to the Americans the free navigation of the great western 
river. 

21. In the same year a treaty of peace was also con- 
cluded with the government of Algiers. These commer- 
cial treaties with the powers of Europe soon revived the 
commerce of the nation, and opened a great source of 
wealth to our enterprising seamen. Yet fresh troubles 
now began to arise from the conduct of France. As the 
Americans had declined to join with her in tlie war against 
the despots of Europe, she became jealous of their friend- 
ship. Her ministers, however, professed the sincerest at- 
tachment, and one of them, Mr. Adet, brought over the 



20. To whom did Louisiana beluiij; at that time? What did 
llie people of Kentucky propose.-' Why ? When was a treaty 
formed between Spain and the United States? Wiiat did iljis 
treaty secuie ? 

21. When was a treaty concluded with Algiers ? How were 
the treaties regarded by the nation r How did France begin to 
regard the United States.'' What did Air. Adet do.' 



192 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1796. 

colors of France, and presented them to the president. 
They v/ere received with great pomp and ceremony, and 
by a unanimous vote of congress, they were deposited in 
the archives of the nation. 

22. Mr. Monroe, the American minister to France, 
was received by the French repubhc with the strongest 
marks of good will. It was decreed, "that the flags of the 
two nations should be entwined together and suspended 
in the legislative hall, as a mark of their eternal union and 
friendship." In this manner the French desired to induce 
the Americans to espouse their cause against the enemies 
of France. Finding all their attempts resisted, they 
adopted certain regulations respecting commerce, by 
which hundreds of vessels belonging to the United States 
were taken, and their cargoes confiscated. In 1796, the 
president recalled Mr. Monroe, and sent Charles C. 
Pinckney, to remonstrate with the French government, 
and to seek redress for these injuries. This year Ten- 
nessee was admitted into the Union. 

23. The second term of Washington's administration, 
was now drawing to a close. In the fall of 1796, he pub- 
lished a farewell address to the citizens of the United 
States, in which he expressed his determination to retire 
from public life, and spend his remaining days in peace 
and quiet. He expressed for his country all the tender- 
ness of a father's solicitude and affection ; pointing out 
the dangers to which she would be exposed, and warning 
every citizen with solemn earnestness to shun the evils, 
which already threatened the dissolution of the union, 
and the downfall of the nation. 

24. This address was received with that profound re- 
spect and veneration for its author, which the whole na- 



22. Did France fry to enf^nge the United States in a war with 
her enemies? How? Atter trying in vain, what was next 
done ? Wliat did the president do in 1796 ? 

23, When did Washington pubHsh his farewell address ? 



1797. ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION. 193 

tion had been cherishing for years. The most gratifying 
testimonials of the affection and gratitude of his countiy- 
men, followed the hero, and the statesman, as he retired 
to the bosom of his beloved family at Mount Vernon. 
The two great parties of the nation now brought forward 
their candidates for the presidency. The federalists 
supported Jolin Adams, and the republicans Thomas 
Jefferson. The contest was nearly equal. Mr. Adams 
was, however, chosen president and Mr. Jefferson vice- 
president. They entered upon the duties of their office 
the 4th of March 1797.* 



ADAMS' AND JEFFERSON'S ADMINISTRATION. 

1. Mr. Adams, at the commencement of his adminis- 
tration, found the nation involved in difficulties with 
France. Mr. Pinckney, who had been sent by Wash- 
ington to adjust existing differences between the two 
republics, had been rejected by the Directory, or French 
government, and ordered to quit the country without de- 
lay. Depredations were frequently committed on the 

24. Who were brought forwaid as candidates for the presi- 
dency .' By what party was John Adams supported ? Tliomas 
Jefferson ^ Who was elected president. -* \\ hen did they enter 
upon the duties of their office .'' 

1. How was Mr. Pinckney received by the French govern- 
ment ? When was congress assembled ? What was the cause 
of our difficulty with France.? .^. Our refusal to assist her in 
her v/ars against England and other nations of Europe. " We 
have assisted you," said she, "in your war against England, 
and now we expect you to assist us in our wars." 

* By examiniiifj the constitution of the United States, at tlse close of this 
•work, you will see that the jnesident is chosen by electors appointed by tiie 
several states. Each state appoints as many electors as they have niembei-s in 
congress. If they have six representatives "and two senators in couj^ress, they 
choose eight electors. As the constitution orig;inally stood, each elector voted 
for two candidates, without specifying which he intended for presiaent, or 
which for vice-president. 1 he candidate who received the highest number of 
votes, provided it was a majonty of the whole, was elected president; and he 
■who received the next highest number, was elected vice-president. In ]804, 
the comtitution was amended, requirinj^: the electors to name iu their ballots 
the persons voted for as president and vice-president. 

17 



194 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1798. 

commerce of the United States in direct violation of the 
treaties existing between the two nations. In this state 
of affairs, president Adams issued his proclamation and 
assembled congress on the 15th of June. That body- 
took a decided stand against the demands of the French, 
and authorized the president to adopt measures to raise 
an army, enlarge the navy, and increase the revenue of 
the nation. 

2. As the president sincerely desired to avoid a war, 
he appointed John Marshall and Elbridge Gerry joint 
envoys with Mr. Pinckney, and instructed them to secure, 
if possible, an honorable reconciliation with the French. 
But the new commissioners were also rejected, though 
permitted to remain at Paris. Agents of the directory 
at length intimated that a " liberal grant of money" might 
lead to terms of accommodation. " Millions for defense," 
the Americans replied, "but not one cent for tribute." 

3. Pinckney and Marshall were ordered to leave the 
country, but Mr. Gerry, who was thought to be more 
favorable to the French, was afterwards solicited to ne- 
gotiate. This he declined. In 1798, when these facts 
were made known in America, all parties united in call- 
ing loudly upon the government to assert the rights of 
the nation. Washington was unanimously appointed com- 
mander-in-chief of the American forces. The navy was 
authorized to cruise against the armed vessels of France. 

4. The army was not called into action. But two naval 
battles were fought in the West Indies. The French 
frigate L 'Insurgent of 40 guns, was captured by the 
Constellation of 38 guns, under the command of Com- 
modore Truxton. The same commander also attacked 



2. AVho were appointed envoys ? 

3. How were they treated ? VVho was appointed commander- 
in-chief of the American forces? What was our navy author- 
ized to do ? 

4. What naval battles were fought ? When was a treaty of 
peace concluded ? 



ISOO. ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION. 195 

another sliip of 50 guns, and compelled her to strike her 
colors, but in the night she made her escape. The 
French, perceiving the determined spirit of the Ameri- 
cans, and not wishing to be involved in a war with them, 
received, in 1799, commissioners appointed by the presi- 
dent. When they arrived in France, they found the 
government of the nation in the hands of Napoleon Bo- 
naparte, with whom a treaty of peace was concluded. 

5. In the mean time, the people of America were 
filled with grief at the sudden death of Washington. He 
died on the 14th of December, 1799, after an illness of 
only one day. Never was a man more deeply lamented. 
In the house of representatives, it was resolved, " that the 
speaker's chair should be shrouded in black, and the 
members wear black during the session ; and that a joint 
committee should be appointed to devise the most suita- 
ble manner of paying honor to the memory of the man 
first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his 
countrymen." 

6. Congress was now removed from Philadelphia to 
the District of Columbia, wliich had been agreed upon as 
the seat of the national government. The city of Wash- 
ington had been laid out, and public buildings erected. 
Here congress assembled for the first time in November 
1800. 

7. The time had now come for electing a president. 
The repubUcans supported Thomas Jefferson and Aaron 
Burr ; the federalists, John Adams and Charles C. Pinck- 
ney. The parties were nearly equal, and both engaged 
in the contest with uncommon ardor. Mr. Adams' course 
of pohcy had been much censured by the republican 

5. When did Washington die ? AV^hat token of respect was 
paid to his memory in congress :■ 

G. When was the seat of government removed from Thiladel- 
phia to Washington ? VVheie is VVa^-hington i In what direc- 
tion from us is it '1 How far I'lom us is it. 

7. XVho were the candidates for t!io presidency ? What was 
the result.' 



196 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1800. 




CAPITOL AT WASHINGTON. 

party. The alien and sedition acts,* as well as those for 
raising a standing army and increasing our navy, together 
with those imposing a direct tax and internal duties, had 
rendered him unpopular, and greatly increased the 
strength of his political opponents. On canvassing the 
votes for president, it was found that Mr. Jefferson and 
Mr. Burr had each seventy-three votes, Mr. Adams sixty- 
five, and Mr. Pinckney sixty-four. 

8. As the two republican candidates had each an equal 

8. What does tlio constitution provide in case there is no 
choice by the electors or people ? Sec the coyistitut'ion, Artide2, 
Sectionl. Flow inan}Miines was the vote tai<en irj the house 
before there was a majority? What was the cause of this? 
For whom did the federalists vote? In consequence of this, Mr. 
Burr from that time, lost the confidence of the democratic, or 
republican parly. Who was finally elected? 

* The alien and sedition acts were passed in 1798, when our difficulties with 
France were at their heifjht. By the alien act, the president was authorized to 
compel aliens oi foreigners, whom he should judge dangerous to the peace and 
safety of the United Statts, to leave the country, on penalty of imprisonment. 
Tlie sedition art was intended to punish the abuse of speech and of the press. 
It imposed a heavy line and imprisonment for years, upon such as should 



1801. Jefferson's administration. 197 

number of votes, according to the constitution, it became 
tlie duty of the house of representatives to decide which 
of these two should be elevated to the presidency. The 
house, however, was so equally divided that the vote was 
taken thirty-five times before a majority could be obtained 
on either side. This, however, was caused by the man- 
agement of the federahsts. Although unable to elect 
their own candidate, they still hoped to defeat the favor- 
ite object of the republicans, by preventing the election 
of Mr. Jefferson. Accordingly they voted for Mr. Burr, 
and day after day the balloting continued, and with the 
same result. But at the thirty-sixth trial, the federalists 
of one or two states gave way, and Mr. Jefferson was 
elected president, and Mr. Burr, of course, became vice- 
president. 

9. On the fourth of March 1801, Mr. Jefferson took 
the oath prescribed by the constitution, and entered upon 
the duties of his office, as president of the United States. 
The new administration soon began to order affairs ac- 
cording to its favorite doctrines. Economy became the 
order of the day. At the next session of congress, the 
judiciary* was restored to its former footing — the internal 



9. When did Mr. Jefferson enter upon the duties of his office" 
What oath is the president required to take before iie enters on 
the execution of his office f See the constitution, Article 2. 
What was done at the session of congress in IdOl ^ 



" combine or conspire together to oppose any measure of the government" — 
iiiwu such as should ^' write, print, utter, publish, &c..any ihuigfiilse, scanda- 
lous or malicious against the y^overnment of the United States, or either house 
of the congress of the United Stales, or the president, &;c.*' 'I'hese acts were 
considered by the body of the people as dangerons to, if not subversive of, the 
constitutional liberty of the United States. 

* Towards the close of Mr. Adams' administration, an act was passed re- 
organizing the judiciary, or United StiUes courts, and erecting sixteen new 
judges. In pursuance of this law, Mr. Adams iiuiiiediately precedinjj his I'e- 
tirementfrom office, appointed twelve new judj^es. 'these were called his 
*^ midnight judiciary ," from the alledped fact tliat they wereappointeri at twelve 
o'clock on the last night of his presidential aulhoiity. You will recollect that 
the United States courts originally consisted of one chief justice and five asso- 
ciate judges. See page 183. See also the constitution of the United States, 
Article 3id. 

17* 



198 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1803. 

taxes were abolished, and the army and navy reduced. 
A bill was passed during the same session, extending the 
laws of* naturalization. 

10. According to the census which was completed in 
1801, the population of the country amounted to 5,319,762. 
In ten years the amount of exports had increased from 19 
to 94 millions, and the revenue from 4 to 12 milhons of 
dollars. In 1802, the state of Ohio was admitted into 
the Union. The first settlement in this state was made 
at Marietta in 1798. After the peace with the Indians, 
the population began to increase with astonishing rapidity. 
In 30 years from its first settlement, it contained more 
than half a million of inhabitants. 

11. In 1803, Louisiana was purchased by the Ameri- 
can government. By this purchase the territory of the 
United States was more than doubled, as it included all 
that part of the country west of the Mississippi. Loui- 
siana was first discovered and settled by the French. In 
1762, it was ceded to Spain and remained in her posses- 
sion until 1800, when it was granted back to France. 
Jeflerson saw the danger and embarrassments that must 
result to the western states, if the French were permitted 
to take possession of this province. 

12. Bonaparte, involved in war with all Europe, and 
fearing an alliance between England and the United 
States, agreed to relinquish all claim to Louisiana for 
fifteen millions of dollars. Commissioners appointed by 
the president concluded a treaty with him by which the 
great western river, and the vast extent of territory 
washed by its tributary streams, fell into the hands of the 

10, What was the population of the United States in 1801 ? 
Exports ? Revenue ? When was Ohio admitted into the Union ? 

11, 12. When was Louisiana purchased? Of whom? For 
how much ? Two and a lialf millions of this sum were to be 
retained to satify tiie claims of American merchants for spolia- 
tions committed by the government of France. By whom was 
this act censured ? Do you think it was a wise act of Mr. Jef- 
ferson to purchase Louisiana ? 



1804. Jefferson's administration. 199 

United States. Tliis act of Jefferson, though highly 
censured by the federal party, was of vast importance to 
the country. It added immensely to the wealth and 
prosperity of the nation. 

13. For a long time, our commerce had been much 
annoyed by the nations of the Barbary states, especially 
by the Tripolitans. Many merchant vessels had been 
taken, and their crews treated as slaves. In 1803, Com- 
modore Preble was sent with a fleet of seven ships into 
the Mediterranean for the purpose of protecting our 
commerce, and bringing those corsairs to submission. 
In October of the same year, as Captain Bainbridge in 
the frigate Philadelphia was chasing a small vessel in the 
harbor of Tripoli, the frigate ran aground, and he and 
his crew were obliged to surrender. According to the 
custom of the Tripolitans, the ofiicers were treated as 
prisoners of war, but the men were reduced to slavery. 
Soon after the ship was surrendered, the captors got her 
afloat and anchored her in the harbor of Tripoli. In this 
situation Stephen Decatur, a brave young officer, proposed 
to Commodore Preble to retake or destroy her. The 
plan was approved ; and in February 1804, he sailed from 
Syracuse, in a small schooner with a crew of 76 men. 
He entered the harbor of Tripoli undiscovered, ran his 
vessel along-side the frigate, boarded her, and having 
cleared the decks at the point of the sword, set her on 
fire, and escaped without the loss of a man. In reward 
of tliis gallant deed, Decatur was promoted by the presi- 
dent to the rank of post-captain. 

14. The reigning bashaw of Tripoli, Sidi Joussouf, 
had raised himself to that dignity by the murder of his 
father, and the banishment of Hamet, his elder brother. 



13. What was done in 1803? Which are the Barbary states? 
Jl. Morocco, Algiers, Tunis, Tripoli, and Borea. Wliat was tiie 
cause of our difficulty with these states, especially Tripoli ? 
Can you show nie Tripoli on the map ? What happened in Octo- 
ber? What was the result? 



200 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1805. 

William Eaton, our consul at Tunis, a brave and enter- 
prising man, believed that the most successful method of 
terminating our difficulties with Tripoli, and gaining an 
advantageous treaty of peace, would be to place Hamet 
on the throne. In 1805 he repaired to Egypt where the 
exiled prince then was. Hamet listened with pleasure 
to the proposals of Eaton, and an army was soon raised, 
and placed under the command of the latter. On the 
6th of March they left Alexandria, and set out for Tripoli. 
They crossed the desert of Lybia, a thousand miles in 
extent. They suffered incredible hardships from hunger, 
thirst, heat and fatigue. After travehng hfty days, they 
arrived on the 25th of April, at Derne, a city of Borea, 
but subject to TripoH. The next morning the place was 
taken by storm. 

15. Not long after this, they were attacked in Derne, 
by a large number of Tripolitians, who were repulsed 
with considerable loss. In June, another battle was 
fought, in which Eaton was decidedly victorious. He 
was soon, however, arrested in his brilliant career by a 
treaty of peace, which the reigning tyrant had concluded 
witli the American agent, Mr. Lear. By this treaty the 
United States were to give 60,000 dollars for the Ameri- 
can prisoners, and rehnquish the cause of Hamet. The 
brilliant exploits of the Americans during their war, by 

14. What bold and singular expedition was undertaken by 
General William Eaton f Of how many different nations was 
his army composed ? .i. Twelve. There were 11 Americans 

%nd 70 or 80 Greeks and Frenchmen. How Ion* were they in 
crossing the desert of Lybia .^ When did they arrive at Derne .'' 
When Eaton demanded a surrender of the place, what reply 
was made by the governor.' Jl. "My head, or yours." Can 
3^ou show me Derne on the map .'' In what direction from Alex- 
andria is it ? What direction from us ? 

15. Wliat was the result of Eaton's expedition.'' How did 
Eaton feel to be thus stopped when he had so fair a prospect of 
placing Hamet on the throne, and having the American prisoners 
released without ransom .'' A. No one can describe his grief 
and indignation. 



1807. Jefferson's administration. 201 

sea and by land, added great lustre to the military charac- 
ter of the nation. 

16. In 1804, Colonel Burr was supported as a candi- 
date for the office of governor of New- York. The re- 
publican party had deserted him, and he was sustained 
chiefly by the federalists. But Mr. Hamilton, having no 
confidence in the character of Burr, opposed his election. 
Being defeated, and enraged at the opposition of Hamil- 
ton, Burr sent him a challenge. It was accepted ; a duel 
was fought, and Hamilton fell. This event produced a 
deep sensation throughout the country. Extraordinary 
honors were paid him by the people of New- York. He 
was looked upon by all, as a man of great talents, of 
powerful eloquence, and as a scholar and gentleman. 

17. In 1807, Burr was arrested and brought to trial on 
a charge of high treason. From his movements it was 
supposed that he designed to dissever the Union, and 
establish a separate government over the western states. 
He had provided a great many boats and engaged men to 
descend the Mississippi river. From his trial, his real 
design could not be ascertained, but it appeared more pro- 
bable, that he intended to invade the province of Mexico. 
Burr was finally acquitted. But the people having no 
confidence in his integrity, left him to sink into a state of 
wretchedness and obscurity. 

18. At this time Bonaparte was extending the dominion 
of France over all the nations of Europe. While he 
was multiplying his victories on land, England had taken 
full command of the ocean. As the United States were 
a neutral power, their ships found a very profitable trade in 
carrying the products and manufactures of England and 



16. What happened in 1804? 

17. What in 1S07 ? Wliat was the result of this trial ? 

18. Who was Napoleon Bonaparte? What was he doing at 
this time ? Wliat do you understand by a neutral power? In 
what trade were our vessels engaged ? What did the British do 
in 180G ? Napoleon ? 



202 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1807. 

France, into all the ports of Europe. The British nation 
soon became jealous of the prosperity of American com- 
merce. On the 16th of May 1806, the government of 
Great Britain issued an order in council, declaring the 
whole coast from the mouth of the river Elbe in Ger- 
many, to the town of Brest in France, to be in a state of 
blockade. By this order, American vessels trading to 
any ports on this coast, were liable to seizure and con- 
demnation.'^ Under this act, great numbers of American 
vessels were taken and condemned. In November, of 
the same year. Napoleon, to retahate upon the Enghsh, 
issued his famous Berlin Decree,\ declaring the British 
islands to be in a state of blockade. By this act, several 
of our vessels were taken by the French, and our com- 
merce greatly interrupted. 

19. England, for several years had found it impossible 
to enlist sailors enough to man her extensive navy. To 
surmount this difficulty, she had resorted to the arbitrary 
measure of impressing her seamen and forcing them into 
her naval service. Her ships of war were authorized to 
board and search American vessels, and take all the men 
who appeared to be British subjects. In this way, many 
American citizens were seized and compelled to serve as 
British sailors. Against these outrageous proceedings 
our government had frequently remonstrated. 

20. In 1807, as the frigate Chesapeake was going out 



19. To what arbitrary niGnsiire did England resort to furnish 
her navy witli sailors ? WJiat were her ships authorized to do .'' 

20. Mention the attack U|)on the Chesapeake. 

* By the laws of war, iNEUTRAl vessels are excluded from blockaded ports. 

t Under this, and subsequent decrees, the French and their allies seized a 
great number of our vessels, and thus eniiched themselves by the j>lunder of 
American merchants. Several years afierwards, our government ilenianded 
payment for the vessels and goods they iiad seized.- Demands, or claims, v\ere 
made on Fiance, Spain, and l>enmark. '1 hese claims have all been paid, ex- 
cept those against Frame, which were acknowledged some j'ears since, to tlie 
amount of 25,000,000 of francs,— but for various reasons, payment has been de- 
layed to the present time. 1 lie French government have, however, recently 
given notice that they are ready to pay the demand. 



1807. Jefferson's ADBiiNiSTRATiorvr. 203 

to sea, she was attacked by the Leopard, a British ship 
of superior force, on suspicion of her liaving British sai- 
lors on board. Three of the Americans were killed, 
and eighteen wounded. The Chesapeake, not at all pre- 
pared for action, immediately struck her colors. An 
officer then came on board, summoned the crew together, 
marked four men as British deserters, and took them on 
board the Leopard. It was afterwards found that three 
of them were Americans, who had been forced into the 
British service, but had afterwards escaped.* 

2 1 . This insolent assault upon a national ship, roused 
the indignation of the whole country. The president 
ordered all British ships immediately to leave the coast of 
the United States, and sent instructions to our minister at 
London to demand redress, and security against future 
aggressions. No satisfaction being obtained, and the 
British government having solemnly asserted the right of 
search and impressment, a special congress was called on 
the 2Tth of October, to decide what measures should be 
adopted. About this time news arrived that laws had 
been passed in England and France, which exposed all 
American vessels to seizure and condemnation. 

22. After much discussion and dehberation our gov- 
ernment resorted to an embargo, as a measure best 
fitted to the present crisis. This would preserve our 
seamen, ships, and merchandize from the dangers which 

2\. What effect had this upon the American people ? What 
did the president do ? What instructions were sent to our minis- 
ter at London? What was done ? When was congress assem- 
bled ? 

22. What measure was resorted to by our government ? What 
is an embargo ? A. It is an act prohibiting or preventing vessels 
from sailing out of port for a limited time. Why was this act 
passed.^ When.' How was it regarded by the people of the 
United States .' 



*Theaftair of the Chesapeake was settled in 1811. The government of 
Great Biitain disapproved of the act, restored the men, and made a compen- 
sation in money to the wounded and the families of the slain. 



204 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1809. 

threatened them on the ocean, and, it was believed, would 
compel England and France to annul their obnoxious de- 
crees, by depriving them of the benefit derived from the 
trade of the United States. This act was passed on the 
22nd of December, 1805. As it put a stop to commerce, 
its effects were soon felt throughout our country, espe- 
cially our large cities and the eastern states. In these, 
the embargo was very unpopular ; and the party opposed 
to the administration denounced it as an unwise, oppres- 
sive, and uncalled for measure. 

23. As the embargo did not produce the effects antici- 
pated on Great Britain and France, it was repealed on 
the 1st of March 1809, and an act prohibiting all inter- 
course with these two nations, was substituted in its place. 
In 1808, Mr. Jefferson, havmg declared his determination 
to retire from pubhc life, was succeeded in the presidency 
by James Madison. George Clmton was re-elected vice- 
president. 



MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION. 

1. Mr. Madison entered on the duties of his ofRce,the 
4th of March 1809. He found the United States in a 
gloomy and perilous situation. England and France 
were still at war, and pursuing measures which threatened 
the entire destruction of American commerce. The af- 
fairs of the nation were in a very unsettled state, and 
becoming every day more and more embarrassed. Bri- 
tish ships were constantly arriving on our coast, searching 
our vessels, impressing our seamen and adding insult to 
injury. 

23. Where do you suppose its effects were most severely felt, 
in Europe or the United States? When was it repealed ? What 
act was substituted in its place? By whom was Mr. Jefferson 
succeeded.'' How many years was Mr. Jefferson president.'' 

1. When did Mr. Madison enter on the duties of his office ? 
What was the situation of the United States at that time? 



1810. Madison's administration. 205 

2. In Apri], Mr. Erskine, the British minister at Wash- 
ington, engaged on the part of his government, that the 
orders in council should be revoked after the 10th day of 
the following June. The president immediately issued 
his proclamation giving notice of this fact, and also, that 
our intercourse with Great Britain would be renewed after 
the time above specified. This produced great joy 
throughout our country, but ended in vexation and disap- 
pomtment. The British ministry refused to ratify this ar- 
rangement, declaring that Mr. Erskine had no authority 
to make it. He was soon after recalled and Mr. Jackson 
appointed to succeed him. In a correspondence with Mr. 
Smith, secretary of state, Mr. Jackson insinuated that the 
United States government knew that Mr. Erskine was 
not authorized to make the arrangement. The secretary 
at once denied this ; but Mr. Jackson subsequently re- 
peated it in a very offensive manner. He was immedi- 
ately informed by the president, that in consequence of 
his indecorous conduct, no farther communications would 
be received from him. Soon after this, he was recalled 
by his government. Thus instead of producing a recon- 
cihation, these movements tended only to aggravate the 
hostile feelings of the two nations. 

3. In the meantime depredations were continually com- 
mitted on our commerce, British cruisers were stationed 
before our harbors and off our coast, who made it a 
point to harass, search, and examine our vessels, both 
those going out and those coming in. By this means the 
public mind was kept constantly inflamed. A novel in- 
cident that occurred about this time, served rather to in- 



2. What did Mr. Erskine do? and what was the result? "Who 
succeeded Mr. Erskine, and what was his conduct? 

3. What were the British doing in the meantime ? Among 
the British cruisers on our coast, which was the most active in 
searching our vessels and insulting the crews? A. The Little 
Belt, commanded by Captain Bingham. What occurred on the 
coast of Virginia ? 

18 



206 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1811. 

crease, than to allay this state of feeling. Commodore 
Rogers, in the frigate President, fell in with a vessel on the 
coast of Virginia, in the evening of the 11th of May 
1811. Being hailed, the commander of the vessel, in- 
stead of replying, repeated the question and fired a gun, 
which struck the main-mast of the President. Upon this, 
the commodore poured a broadside into her, which si- 
lenced most of her guns, and killed and wounded 32 of 
her men. Being hailed again, an answer was immedi- 
ately given that it was the Little Belt, a British man-of- 
war brig, of 18 guns. This was the first check the Bri- 
tish commanders had received from us on the ocean. The 
brig was thus justly punished for her insolent treatment 
of several American vessels. 

4. In the midst of our difficulties with France and 
England, our frontiers were threatened with an Indian 
war. There existed at that time a celebrated cliief^ nam.> 
ed Tecumseh. He was distinguished for his ambition, 
talents, and energy of character, but above all for his en- 
mity to the whites. He was determined to put an effect- 
ual barrier to the further extension of our settlements. 
And for tliis purpose, he resorted to every artifice to stir 
up the minds of the Indians against us. He formed an 
alliance with the northwestern tribes, and encouraged by 
British agents, was preparing for open hostilities. In 1811, 
a council* was held with the chiefs of several tribes, by 
General Harrison governor of Indiana, at Vincennes, at 
which Tecumseh was present. By his infl.uence it was- 

4. With what were our frontiers threatened:' For what wa» 
Tecumseh distinguished ? When and by whom was a council 
held ? 

* Tecumseh was not present when the council assembled. He entered how- 
ever, soon after, and was informed that his father, meaning General Harrison^ 
had reserved a seat for him next himself. " My father," said Tecumseh, " my 
father ! The Great Spirit is my father, the earth is my mother, and Jipon her 
breast will I recline." Saying this he seated liimself upon the ground at some 
distance from Harrison. Tecumseh boldly remonstrated in the council against 
a purchase the whites had lately made from the Kickapoos and some other 
tnbes. In a strain of wonderful eloquence be inveighed against the eneroaek- 



1811. Madison's administration. 207 

broken up, and nothing short of war was expected to re- 
sult. 

5. Soon after this, every thing on the part of the In- 
dians appeared to indicate approaching hostilities, and Ge- 
neral Harrison was sent into their territories, with a body 
of troops to demand an explanation, and to put a stop to 
their hostile designs. As he was approaching one of their 
towns, situated on the Tippecanoe, a branch of the Wa- 
bash, he met several chiefs, who offering terms of peace 
and submission, persuaded him to encamp for the night, 
as it was then too late to enter upon business. 

6. Before morning however, the savages made a furi- 







l^p 


^^^^^^^^^I^P^?. 





BATTLE OF TIPPECANOE. 



5. Who was sent against the Indians ? Why ? What happen- 
ed as he was approaching one of their towns ? 

ments of the Americans,— gave a faithful history of the progress of the settle- 
ments from the first commencement on the Delaware, to the moment at whicli 
he spoke. When answered bv General Harrison, he grasped his toma- 
liawk, in a fit of phrensy, and boldly charged iiini witli having uttered what 
was false. The warriors who attended hiiii, twenty or thiity in number, follow- 
ed his example. But Harrison had fortunately posted a guard of soldiers near, 
who put a stop to their fury. 



208 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1812. 

ous assault upon the camp. But the whites knowing the 
treachery of their enemies, had slept upon their arms, and 
were prepared to oppose them. After a severe struggle 
the Indians were routed with great slaughter. Harrison 
destroyed their town and erected such forts as seemed ne- 
cessary for the protection of the frontiers. 

7. The conduct of Great Britain became daily more and 
more grievous to the nation. Since 1803 her cruisers had 
captured nine hundred of our vessels, and impressed more 
than seven thousand of our seamen. The patience of 
the nation was exhausted. Congress was assembled by 
proclamation on the 5th of November 1811, and the pre- 
sident laid before them the state of our foreign relations, 
and recommended that measures should be immediately 
adopted to maintain the honor and interests of the nation. 
Laws were soon after passed, authorizing the president to 
make preparation for war, to increase the army, to en- 
large the navy, and to borrow money. On the 3rd of 
April 1812, congress laid an embargo for ninety days 
on all vessels within the jurisdiction of the United States. 
Although our government were busily engaged in making 
preparation for war, a hope was still cherished, that some 
change in the policy of Great Britain would render an ap- 
peal to arms unnecessary. But perceiving no prospect 
of such a change, congress declared war against that na- 
tion on the 18th of June 1812. 

8. This highly important and eventful act was various, 
ly received. In some places, it produced the highest de- 

6. What took place next riiorning ? What was tho result? 
What was this battle calh;d ? Jl. The battle of Tippecanoe- 
Was Teciimseh present at the battle. A. No, he ])ad gone to visit 
the Creeks and Seminoles. 

7. What was the conduct of Great Brilain ? How many of 
our vessels had been captured ? Seamen impressed? Do you 
think there were any just causes for war? What did congress 
do ? When was war declared ? 

8. How was this act regarded by the nation ? Wliat did the 
" Peace Party" do ? 



1812. Madison's administkation. 209. 

monstrations of joy ; in others, especially the commercial 
sections of our country, it was the cause of gloom and des- 
pondency. Although a majority of the nation were in 
favor of the war, a powerful party was opposed to the 
measure, on the ground that an accommodation with 
England might have been made, and that we were unpre- 
pared for so serious a contest. These organized them- 
selves under the title of the " Peace Party," and exerted 
all their influence against the operations of government. 
Unanimity in so important a measure was not to be ex- 
pected ; yet the opposition of so great a portion of the pop- 
ulation, of the talents and wealth of the country, tended 
to throw embarrassments on its prosecution, which were 
greatly felt throughout the whole struggle. 

9. In some respects, the nation was much better situ- 
ated for war, than at the commencement of the Revolu- 
tion. It noiv had an efficient government. Its popula- 
tion had increased from three to eight millions, and its 
pecuniary resources had multiplied in a still greater ratio. 
In other respects its situation was less favorable. At the 
commencement of the Revolution, the nation was united 
in the measure, and they were comparatively a warlike 
people ; for they had been trained up in the French and 
Indian wars, and had able and experienced commanders. 
But in 1812, the situation of things was very different. 
The nation had enjoyed the blessings of peace, and pros- 
perity for about thu-ty years. During this time they had 
in a measure lost their military character, and there w^ere 
no officers in whom entire confidence could be placed. Our 
oldest revolutionaiy heroes slept in honored graves, and 
those who remained were far advanced in life, and but 
poorly qualified for the active duties of the camp and field. 



9. Was the nation as well prepared for war as in 1775? 

10. What preparations were made soon after war was decla- 
led? How many and where were the armies assembled? Under 
whom ? The commander-in-chief? 

18* 



210 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1812. 

Such was the situation of things at the commencement of 
hostiUties. 

10. Soon after war was declared, preparations were 
made for the invasion of Canada. Three armies were 
assembled, one at Detroit* under General Hull ; another 
at Lewistownf under General Van Rensselaer ; a third 
at Plattsburghij: under General Dearborn, the commander- 
in-chief of the forces destined on this expedition. The 
British had a regular army of 6000 men in Canada ; and 
they had formed an extensive alliance with the Indians. 
Tecumseh, had been raised to the rank of general in the 
British army ; and by his influence thousands of savage 
warriors were induced to take up arms against the Ame- 
ricans. 

11. On the 12th of July, General Hull crossed the 
river Detroit with a force of 2500 men. He now called 
on the inhabitants of Canada to submit without resistance^ 
promising at the same time protection to their persons, 
rights and property. The enemy were stationed at Mai- 
den a few miles distant, and had Hull marched immedi- 
ately against that place, it would probably have fallen an 
easy conquest. But after being kept inactive nearly a 
month in the camp, the troops, on the 8th of August, mor- 
tified and indignant at the conduct of Hull, were led back 
to Detroit. 

12. The British at Malden§ were soon reinforced by 
the arrival of General Brock. He immediately marched 
against Detroit, and on the 15th of August, opened a 



11. What did General Hull do on the 12th day of July ? On 
the 8th of August? 

* Detroit, capital of Michigan, situated on Detroit river, between lake Erie 
and lake St. Clair. 

t Lewistown, in New- York, situated on Niagara liver opposite Queenstown, 
7 miles below Niagara falls, and 27 1-2 north of Buffalo. 

4: Plattsburg a town in New- York, situated on lake Champlain, 63 miles south 
of Montreal. 

§ Maiden, or Amherstbury, a town of Upper Canada, on Detroit river, 3 miles, 
above its entrance into lake Erie, and 14 below Detroit. 



1812. Madison's administration. 211 

heavy cannonade upon the town from the opposite bank of 
the river. Tlie next day he crossed over with his troops 
and advanced towards the fort in close cokimn and twelve 
deep. The Americans were judiciously disposed, to re- 
ceive them. The militia and volunteers were so stationed 
as to flank the enemy. The regulars defended the fort ; 
and two twenty-four pounders, charged with grape shot, 
were so planted as to sweep the whole British line. All 
was now silent expectation. On they came, fearlessly, 
but apparently to certain destruction. Our troops con- 
fident of victory, were eager for the contest. They had 
now arrived within 500 yards of the American lines, and 
all were anxiously waiting the signal for the artillery to 
open upon them its deadly fire. But instead of this, Hull 
ordered the troops to retire within the fort. Here they 
were commanded to stack their arms, and to the astonish- 
ment of every one, a white flag in token of submission, 
was suspended from the walls. A capitulation was soon 
agreed upon, by which the army, the fort, and the whole 
territory of Michigan were surrendered into the hands of 
the British ! This disgraceful event excited the deepest 
feelings of indignation throughout the country.* 

13. On the 13th of October, Van Rensselaer with 1000 
troops crossed the river Niagara, and took the British fort 
at Queenstown by storm. While they were rejoicing 
over their success. General Brock arrived with 600 fresh 
troops. But they also were soon defeated by the Ame- 



12. What did the British do soon after? What did General 
Brock do on tlie 15th of August? Relate what took place next 
day. Do you suppose Hull possessed that energy, firmness, and 
decision of character that always distinguishes a brave and skillful 
officer ? What do you think of his conduct ? 



* General Hull was aftenvavds exchanged for thirty British prisoners. Soon 
after he was tried by a court-martial, found guilty of cowardice and neglect of 
duty, and was sentenced to be shot, but was recommended to mercy in conse- 
quence of his services in the war of the revolution and liis advanced age. The 
president remitted the punishment, but deprived him of all military command.. 



212 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1812. 

ricans, and Brock himself was among the slain. Van 
Rensselaer now endeavored to transport all his forces 
across the river. But the militia utterly refused to pass 
the boundary line. He entreated, but in vain. The con- 
sequence was, that the brave troops on the Canada side 
were assailed by a superior force, and nearly all of them 
killed. 

14. Van Rensselaer, having received a wound, resign- 
ed the command, and was succeeded by General Smyth. 
In a very boastful manner, Smyth addressed the " men of 
New-York," complaining of the management of the for- 
mer general, and calling upon them to join his standard, 
and march to the immediate conquest of Canada. He 
soon had an army of 4500 men under his command ; but 
such was his delay and miscalculation that nothing was 
effected before they were obliged to return to winter 
quarters. Twice the troops embarked to cross the river, 
but landed without leaving the shore. His men were dis- 
gusted, and all were mdignant at his base and cowardly 
conduct. 

15. The other army, under General Dearborn, station- 
ed near Lake Champlain, effected nothing of any import. 
ance. Thus at the end of the year 1812, no enterprise 
worthy of the American arms had been accomplished. 
Every patriot was mortified, and every tongue was filled 
with complaint. But, while failure and disgrace followed 
the movements of the army, glory and success attended 
the exploits of our navy. 

13. What took place on the 13th of October 1812 ? Where is 
Q,ueenstown ? Jl. It is a town of Upper Canada, situated on 
Niagara river 7 miles below ISiagara falls. Why would not the 
militia cross over .'' JJ. They had learned that the constitution 
did not require them to go beyond the limits of the United States, 
and they possessed neither the courage nor the magnanimity, to 
go to the assiestance of their comrades. What was the conse- 
quence of their refusal .' 

14. What do you think of General Smyth's movements.'' 

15. What did the army under General Dearborn do .' 



1812. 



Madison's administration. 



213 



16. On the 19th of August, Captain Hull, in the frigate 
Constitution, fell in with the British ship Guerriere. Her 
flags were flying in boastful defiance. On one of them, 
were the words, "Not the Little Belt." The Constitu- 
tion bore down, her crew giving three cheers. The Guer- 
riere now opened a heavy fire, but Hull wishing to gain a 
favorable position, received it without returning a gun. 
The enemy attributed this to want of skill ; but tlie wish- 
ed for moment at length arrived. The Constitution was 
brought to the station intended, and orders were given to 
fire broadside after broadside. Never was firing more 
dreadful. For fifteen minutes the Constitution's guns 
poured forth one continued blaze, and their thunder roar- 
cd with scarce an intermission. Every mast and spar of 




CONSTITUTION AND GUERRIERE. 

the Guerriere was shot away, and in thirty minutes, she 
lay an unmanageable wreck. The British loss in this ac- 
tion, was 15 killed and 63 wounded, while that of the 
Americans, was but 7 killed and 37 wounded. The 



16. Describe the capture of the Guerriere 



214 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1812. 

Guerriere was_so much damaged as to render it impossi- 
ble to bring her into port. She was therefore set on fire 
the next day and blown up. The Constitution received 
but little injury and was ready for action the next day, 

17. On the 18th of October, near the Bermuda Islands, 
Captain Jones, in the Wasp, of 18 guns, captured the Frolic, 
of 22 guns. When the action commenced the sea was 
exceedingly rough, and the muzzles of the guns were of- 
ten under water. The Frolic fired as she rose on the 
wave, and her shot went over doing little or no injury ; but 
the Wasp fired as she sunk, and every broadside shattered 
the hull of her antagonist. After an action of 45 minutes 
the Americans boarded, but to their astonishment, they 
found no person on deck but three officers and the sea- 
man at the wheel. The decks were slippery with the 
blood of the dead and the dying. Thirty had been killed 
and fifty wounded. The Wasp had but five killed and five 
shghtly wounded. This was unquestionably the most 
severe and decisive action fought during the war. Shortly 
after the battle both vessels were taken by a British 
seventy-four and carried into the Bermudas. 

18. On the 25th of October Captain Decatur, in the 
frigate United States of 44 guns, fell in with the Macedo- 
nian of 49 guns, near the Western Islands. The enemy 
had decidedly the advantage, but after an action of an 
hour and a half, having her mizen and main top masts shot 
away, her rigging entirely cut to pieces and nearly all her 
guns disabled, the Macedonian surrendered. She had 36 
men killed and 68 wounded, while the United States had 
but 7 killed and 5 wounded. Decatur towed his prize into 
New- York where he was received with the highest de- 
monstrations of joy. 

19. On the 30th of December, off the coast of Brazil, 
Commodore Bainbridge in the Constitution, captured the 



17. Describe tfie capture of the Frolic? 18. The Macedonian? 
19. The Java? How many prizes were taken in 1812? 



1813. madtson's administration. 215 

Java, one of the finest vessels of her class in the British 
navy. The action continued three hours. The Java 
was reduced to a mere wreck ; her captain was slain with 
60 of her crew, and 101 wounded. The Constitution had 
34 killed and wounded. Such was the glorious beginning 
of our naval warfare against Great Britain ; and besides 
these victories of the navy, our privateers had taken a 
great number of merchant vessels. Over 500 prizes 
were made during the year. The British were astonished, 
and exceedingly mortified at the brilliant success of our 
little navy, which had now added such glory to the Ame- 
rican name. 

20. Mr. Madison was re-elected president this year, 
notwithstanding the violent opposition of the ^^ peace par- 
ty, ^^ who supported De Witt Clinton of New- York, as their 
candidate. Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts was cho- 
sen vice-president. During this year Louisiana was ad- 
mitted into the Union as a sovereign state. Thus closed 
the important events of 1812. 



EVENTS OF 1813. 



1. The administration now determined to prosecute the 
war with new vigor ; and if possible retrieve the charac- 
ter of the army, by the reduction of Canada. The enthu- 
siasm produced by the success of the navy, inspired the 
land forces with eager desire to accomplish something 
worthy of the nation. The president was authorised to 
raise twenty new regiments, increase the wages of the 
soldiers, buHd 18 sliips of war, and to supply the great 
lakes with a navy of sufficient force to compete with the 
enemy. 

2. Great enthusiasm now prevailed throughout the 
western states ; volunteer companies were formed in every 

20. Who was re-elected president in 1812 ? Who vice-presi- 
dent? What state was admitted into the Union ? 
1. What did congress authorize the president to do ? 



216 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1813. 

quarter, and the most active preparations made for the 
purpose of regaining possession of the territory of IVIichi- 
gan. An army of 8000 volunteers from Kentucky and 
Ohio, under command of General Harrison, marched 
against the enemy in that quarter. He concentrated his 
forces at Sandusky. At the earnest request of the inha- 
bitants of Frenchtovvn, a detachment of 800 men under the 
command of General Winchester, marched to defend that 
place. 

3. On the 22nd of January, a body of British and In- 
dians, under the command of Colonel Proctor, having cross- 
ed the Detroit river on the ice, made a furious assault 
upon the camp at Frenchtown. The Americans were 
overpowered, more than 300 were slain, and several 
hundred carried prisoners to Maiden. Over sixty, who 
were wounded in the battle, were left in the care of the in- 
habitants of the town. The next morning the savages en- 
tered the place, set fire to the houses, and murdered the 
wounded soldiers in the most cruel and barbarous man- 
ner. 

4. Harrison marched soon after this to the rapids of the 
Miami, where he built fort Meigs. Here he was besieged 
on the 1st of May, by a party of British and Indians from 
Maiden, commanded by Colonel Proctor. General Clay 
with 1200 Kentuckians marched to his relief. The ene- 
my were at once attacked and put to flight, but after- 
wards returning, they surprised the Americans, killed 150, 
and took 500 prisoners. The remainder escaped into the 
fort or fled to the nearest settlements. The enemy conti- 



2. Why were volunteer companies formed in the western 
states ? Under whose command were they placed ? Who was 
sent to the defense of Frenchtown ? 

3. State the attack upon Frenchtown and the result. 

4. What did General Harrison do? What took place the 1st 
of May ? Who marched to his relief? How many of these troops 
under General Clay were killed and taken prisoners? How long 
did the enemy continue the siege ? 



1813. Madison's administration. 237 

nued the siege till the 9th of May, when, their Indian allies 
having deserted, the whole force withdrew. 

5. The British, by providing a respectable navy on the 
lakes, had great advantage over the Americans. Com- 
modore Chauncey, after great exertions, procured a naval 
force on lake Ontario, sufficient to compete with the ene- 
my. On the 25th of April, General Dearborn with 1700 
men, crossed the lake for the attack of York, the 
capital of Upper Canada. On the 27th General Pike, a 
brave young officer, after carrying the battery of the ene- 
my at the point of the bayonet, led on his men to the main 
works. 

6. At the moment his troops arrived, the enemy's ma- 
gazine blew up and made terrible havoc among the troops. 
Pike was mortally wounded, and more than 100 men were 
killed by this disaster. But the Americans pressed on, 
and soon gained possession of the town. The dying 
Pike smiled in triumph when one of his men brought the 
flag of the enemy and placed it under his head. 

7. During General Dearborn's absence on this expedi- 
tion, about 1000 British troops landed and made an attack 
upon Sackett's Harbor the 29th of May. The force at 
this place amounted to about 1000 men, under the com- 
mand of General Brown. A considerable part of these 
were militia, who fled in great effusion at the approach 
of the enemy. The British pressing on, soon compelled 

5. In what respect had the British the advantage on the 
lakes? "Who was sent to prepare us a navy on lake Ontario? 
When did General Dearborn cross the lake? For what purpose? 
What did General Fike do ? 

6. What happened as he led on his troops? What were Pike's 
last words? Ji. " Move on my brave fellows and revenge your 
general." 

7. What happened while General Dearborn was absent? De- 
scribe the battle. Do you suppose General Brown thought of 
cutting off the retreat of the British ? Why were the British sol- 
diers so unwilling to obey the general at this time ? 

19 



218 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1813. 

the regular troops to retreat into the houses along the road. 
From these coverts, they poured a deadly fire upon the 
enemy which checked his progress. General Brown had 
by this time succeeded in collecting a large number of 
the panic struck militia, and was leadmg them by a circui- 
tous route to the attack of the enemy. The British 
commander supposing their object was to fall upon him in 
his rear, ordered a retreat to their boats. This order was 
obeyed with so much promptness and haste, that they left 
behind them all their wounded and prisoners. 

8. While these affairs were going on at the north, 
events of great interest had occurred on the coast 
of the Atlantic. The success of the American navy 
had greatly alarmed the British nation, and admiral 
Warren had been sent with a powerful fleet to line the 
whole coast of the United States, and interrupt all their 
naval operations. 

9. A number of ships entered the Chesapeake bay, 
and made great havoc among our merchant vessels. 
The British landed, plundered and burned many flourish- 
ing towns. Frenchtown, Georgetown, Hampton, Havre 
de Grace and Fredericktown were destroyed. An at- 
tempt was made against NorfoIl<:, but after the loss of 
200 men, the enemy desisted. 

10. While the Britisl^piwere blockading the Delaware, 
the inhabitants of Lewistown refused to supply them with 
water and provisions. Enraged at this, the enemy bom- 
barded and endeavored to take the town ; but they were 
defeated. At this time, Decatur having entered the har- 
bor of New-London with the United States and his prize, 
the Macedonian, was blockaded by a British squadron, 



8. Who was sent with a British fleet to line the coast of the 
United States? 

What did they do in Chesapeake bay? "What places were 
plundered and burned? 

10. In what harbor was Decatur blocaded ? 



1813. Madison's administration. 219 

under Commodore Hardy. Impatient of his situation, he 
sent a challenge to two frigates of the enemy, but it was 
not accepted. 

11. But the powerful force of the British did not pre- 
vent our vessels from cruising the seas and making cap- 
tures. On the 23d of February, Captain Lawrence in 
the Hornet, fell in with the British brig Peacock, of about 
equal force. After a fierce battle of fifteen minutes, the 
Peacock struck her colors, and raised a signal of distress. 
The Americans lowered their boats, but before they could 
get away all her crew, the brig went down, and with her 
thirteen of her own men, and four of the Hornet's men. 

12. In reward for this exploit, Lawrence was appointed 
to the command of the Chesapeake. She was then 
blockaded in Boston harbor by two British vessels. Cap- 
tain Brock, of the British frigate Shannon, sent a chal- 
lenge to Lawrence to meet him in single combat. The 
Chesapeake was in bad trim, and her crew raw and un- 
disciplined. But Lawrence, inspired with hope from 
past success, and eager for new trophies, set sail on the 
first of June, and the two vessels soon came to action. 

13. The battle commenced at the distance of pistol shot, 
and with terrible fury on both sides. The Chesapeake 
soon lost her foresail, and falling a little in the rear, was 
exposed to a raking fire from the enemy. Her officers 
were all soon killed or wounded, her chest of arms blown 
up, and in this condition she was boarded, and her gallant 
crew compelled to submit. 

14. Soon after the action began, Lawrence received a 
mortal wound, and was carried below. But his courage 
lield out to the last moment. Being asked if. the colors 

11. Describe the battle of the Hornet and the Peacock? 

12. "VVJiat appointment did Lawrence receive? Where was 
the Chesapeake then lying? Who sent a challenge to Law- 
rence? ^Vas the Chesapeake and her crew well prepared for a 
severe engagement? 

13. Describe the battle between the Chesapeake and Shannon. 

14. What were the last words of Lawrence? 



220 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1813. 

should be struck, he replied " No, they shall wave while 
I live." Even after his crew had been obliged to surren- 
der, he exclaimed, in the agonies of death, " don't give 
up the ship." The loss was great on both sides. Of 
the Americans, 47 were killed and 97 wounded. Of the 
enemy, 26 were killed and 57 were wounded. The Bri- 
tish boasted of this victory, with the most extravagant 
exultation. The Americans deplored the fate of the 
brave young Lawrence. 

15. In the month of August, the British brig Pelicon 
captured the American brig Argus, which had made a 
very successful cruise against the coasting vessels of 
England. Another action took place on the 5th of Sep- 
tember between the American brig Enterprise, and the 
British brig Boxer. The Enterprise was victorious. 
Both commanders were slain in the action, and buried 
side by side in Portland. American privateers were suc- 
cessful in making numerous prizes. 

16. Let us now turn to the affairs of the north. Early 
in the season. Commodore Perry had been ordered to 
Presque Isle to prepare a fleet for the purpose of meeting 
the navy on lake Erie. By the first of August, after tri- 
umphing over many difficulties, he had equipped a flotilla 
of nine vessels, carrying in all 54 guns. The British had 
a fleet on the same lake, under the command of Commo- 
dore Barclay, carrying 64 guns. 

17. The two squadrons met on the 10th of September. 
The wind being light, they approached each other 
very slowly. Perry was on board the Lawrence, which 
crowding all sail, had got far in advance of the other ves- 

15. When and by what was tlu; Argus captured '' What other 
naval action look place about this time ? Which was victorious '* 
Where, and how were the commanders buried.'' Where is 
Portland .? 

16. At what time did Commodore Perry get his fleet prepared 
on lake Erie ? 

17. 18. Describe the battle of lake Erie. How did Perry de- 
scribe his victory to General Harrison ^ 



1813. Madison's administration. 221 

sels, and was obliged to sustain the whole fire of the 
enemy. After a contest of two hours with two vessels 
of nearly equal size, she was completely disabled, and all 
her crew, except seven, were either killed or wounded. 




BATTLE 0:\ LAKE ERIE. 

18. The gallant Perry now seized his flag and passed 
in an open boat, exposed to the enemy's fire, to the ship 
Niagara, commanded by Captain Elliott, which had by 
this time come up. He now opened upon the British 
with terrible effect. He broke their line, and soon com- 
pelled one after another to surrender. The whole Ame- 
rican squadron now joining in the contest, a complete and 
decisive victory soon followed. At four o'clock P. M. 
he dispatched to General Harrison the following laconic 
epistle, "We have met the enemy, and they are ours." 
This brilliant action occasioned great joy throughout the 
nation. 

19. General Plarrison, who was now at fort Meigs, 
hearing of Perry's victory, marched at once to the lake, 
embarked and crossed over for the purpose of attacking 
the enemy at fort Maiden. When he arrived there, how- 

19* 



222 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1813. 

ever, he found that the British and Indians anticipating 
his movements, had deserted that post, also Detroit, and 
had retreated up the river Thames to the Moravian villages. 

20. Harrison, by a rapid pursuit, overtook them on the 
5th of October, and brought them to action. A company 
of mounted riflemen was placed in front of the line, and 
after the first fire of the enemy, they were ordered to 
charge. At first, the horses recoiled ; but soon they 
rushed on with irresistible fury, and breaking through the 
ranks of the British, compelled them to tlirow down their 
arms. 

21. Upon the left, the onset was begun by Tecumseh 
with great fury. Colonel Richard M. Johnson, who com- 
manded that flank of his regiment, received a galling fire, 
which he returned with great effect. The combat raged 
with increasing fury, while the Indians to the number of 
twelve or fifteen hundred, seemed determined to main- 
tain their ground to the last. The terrible voice of Te- 
cumseh could be distinctly heard encouraging his war- 
riors, who on this occasion, fought with more than Indian 
courage. 

22. An incident soon occurred, however, which de- 
cided the contest. Colonel Johnson rushed towards the 
spot where the warriors, clustering around their undaunted 
chief, appeared resolved to perish by his side ; in a mo- 
ment a hundred rifles were aimed at the American, whose 
uniform and the white horse which he rode, rendered him 
a conspicuous object. His horse and himself received a 
number of wounds ; and his holsters, dress, and accoutre- 
ments, were pierced with bullets. 

23. At the instant his horse was about to sink under 
him, the daring Kentuckian, covered with blood from his 

19. What did Harrison now do? Did he find the enemy at 
fort Maiden ? Where is Maiden ? Did he find them at Detroit ? 
To what place had they retreated ? 

20, 21, 22. Describe tlic battle of the Thames. Where is the 
Thames ^ In what direction from us ? 



1813. 



MADISON S ADMINISTRATION. 



223 




DEATH OF TECUMSEH. 

wounds, was discovered by Tecumseh, who having dis- 
charged his rifle, sprang forward with his tomahawk ; but 
at this moment Johnson leveled a pistol at his breast, and 
they both, almost at the same instant, fell to the ground. 
The Kentuckians rushed forward to the I'escue of their 
leader, and the Indians, no longer hearing the voice of 
Tecumseh, soon after fled. Thus fell the most celebrated 
Indian warrior that ever raised the tomahawk against us, 
and with him fell the last hope of our Indian enemies. 

24. In the early part of this year, the mediation of 
Russia was offered to bring about peace between Eng- 
land and America. The president accepted the offer, 
and appointed Messrs. Adams, Gallatin and Bayard, com- 
missioners to negotiate for peace. But Great Britain 
refused to treat under this mediation. 

25. In order to defend the frontiers agjainst the British 



23. What does the cut represent ? 

24. What power offered to mediate between us and England 
What is the meaning of mediate i* 

25. What other battles were foueht during the summer ? 



224 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1814. 

and their savage allies, the American forces were divided 
into small companies, which were liable to be attacked 
by greater numbers and entirely cut off. During the 
summer, battles were fought at Stony creek and the 
Beaver Dams, in which the enemy were successl'ul. On 
the first of August, General Proctor with 1200 men at- 
tacked fort Stephenson, defended only by a band of 150 
Americans under the command of Major Croghan. The 
enemy, confident of victory, endeavored to carry the fort 
by storm, but being repulsed with the loss of 150 men, 
they thought it best to retire. The garrison had but one 
killed and seven wounded. 

26. On the 11th of November an action took place at 
Williamsburg, in which both parties claimed the victory. 
In December the Americans blew up fort George, and 
set fire to Newark, a neighboring village. In retaliation 
the British crossed the Niagara, and burnt all the princi- 
pal towns on the American side of that river. 

27. During the summer, war had been raging between 
the United States and the southern Indians. The Creeks, 
Cherokees, Chickasaws and Choctaws, four powerful 
tribes, which possessed a large extent of territory, could 
muster 6000 warriors. They had listened to the persua- 
sions of Tecumseh, the famous chief of a northern tribe, 
and began to show their hostilities by murdering several 
whites in their neighborhood. The people on the Ala- 
bama river, alarmed at their danger, took refuge in Ibrt 
Mimms. 

28. On the 14th of August, the savages surrounded 
the fort, cut their way through the outworks, set fire to 
all the buildings, butchered and burned men, women and 
children. Nearly 300 perished. General Jackson, at 

26. What took place in November? December? 

27. In what new war were the United States involved this 
year? By whom were they instigated to hostilities.' 

28. Wliat look place the 14th of August? Who marched 
ngainst the Indians ? Where did General Jackson defeat the 
Indians? 



1814. Madison's administration. 225 

the head of 3500 militia from Tennessee, marched into 
the Indian territory. These troops endured great hard- 
sliips from the want of provisions, while traversing a 
gloomy wilderness. But in several battles, at Tallus- 
hatchie, Talladega, and other places, tl^e Indians were 
defeated with terrible slaughter. Their villaf]jes were 
burnt and their country laid waste. 

29. The decisive battle was fought on the 27th of 
March 1814, at the Great Bend of the river Talapoosa. 
Here about 1000 of the surviving warriors had assembled 
and fortified themselves. General Jackson, with a strong 
reinforcement, attacked this last refuge of the enemy, 
and after a most obstinate struggle, was completely vic- 
torious. About 800 of the savages, scorning to yield, 
fell in the battle. 

80. The Indians had now suffered a terrible loss by 
the war. More than 2000 of their ablest warriors had 
fallen, and their towns were all destroyed. They now 
began to sue for peace.* A treaty was made with them 
by General Jackson, and he and his brave troops were 
permitted to enjoy an honorable but short repose. 



TERMINATION OF THE WAR. 

1. The soldiers and officers of the American army had 
now acquired that degree of discipline and experience 

29. Wliere was fought the decisive battle? 

30. Was this war any advantage to the Indians .' Any injury .'' 

why.^ . - y i y 

* Soon after the battle of the Great Bend, Wcutherford, the principal chief 
of the Creeks, came and surrendered liiinself to General Jackson, addressiii{j 
liim as follows: " I am in your power. Do wiih me whnt you i)lease. I havo 
clone the white people all the harm I could. I have foii(jlit them, awd fought 
them bravely. There was a time when 1 had a choi -e. I have none now,— 
even hope is ended. Once I could animate my warriors, — but I caiuiot ai'.imate 
the dead. They can no lon.^er hear my voice. 'I'heir bones are at 'I'allus- 
hatchie, Talladega, Emuckfow, and Tohopeka. "While theie was a chance 
of success, I never supplicated peace,— but my people are gone, and 1 now ask 
it for my nation and myself." 



226 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1814. 

which prepared them for a more arduous campaign. 
Peace having been concluded in Europe, Great Britain 
shipped an army of veteran troops for the invasion of the 
United States by way of Canada. 

2. About the first of July 1814, General Brown with 
3000 American troops crossed the Niagara, and having 
taken fort Erie without resistance, he advanced against 
the enemy at Chippewa. Hei-e he found a force equal to 
his own, under the command of General Riall. On the 
5th the armies came to action. The British advanced 
with a furious charge, which put a part of the American 
line to flight. But this breach was soon repaired by the 
bravery of the troops under Major Jessup. The enemy 
was completely routed and after a loss of 500 men re- 
treated to their fortifications. This may be considered 
the first regular pitched battle, and furnished a convin- 
cing proof, that nothing but discipline was wanting to give 
to our soldiers on land the same excellence which our 
seamen had discovered on the ocean.* 

3. After several movements the armies again met on 
the 25th of the same month, and fought a desperate bat- 
tle at Bridgewater, near the cataract of Niagara. Gen- 



1. Why were the British enabled to send more troops to the 
United States at this time than at any former period ? 

2. When did General Brown cross the Niagara? Describe the 
battle of Chippewa. 

3. Describe tlie battle of Bridgewater. What question did 
General Ripley put to Colonel Miller r What was his reply ? 



* It is said tliat Major Jessnp, suspecting that his troops had ex^)ended near- 
ly all their caitritlRfs, missed along the rear of the line to make inquiry as to 
tiie ftu-t. Several soldicis who lay nioitaily wounded, some of iheni actually iit 
the agonies of death, healing the inquiry, forgot for a moment, in their devo- 
tion to their country, both tlie \r.u\i they etiduied and the approach of death, 
and called out eacli'onefor iiimsell', " Here are cartridges in my box, take and 
distribute them among my companions." A soldier in the line exclaimed to ^ 
Major Jessup as he was passing, "■ My musket is shot to pieces." His comrade 
>vho lay expiiing with his wounds ai thedistance of a few feet, replied in a 
voice scarcely audible, "My musket is in excellent order, take and use Jier." 
It is not extravagance to assert, that an army of such men, commanded by ofli- 
eers of corresponding merit, is literally invincible. 



1814. 



MADISON S ADMINISTRATION. 



227 




BATTLE AT BRIDGEWATER. 

eral Scott with a division of the American army began 
the contest just before night. He was soon reinforced by 
General Ripley, and by the hght of the moon the battle 
continued with great fury. The American lines suffered 
o-reatly from the British artillery stationed on an emi- 
nence. General Ripley said to Colonel Miller, " can you 
storm that battery ?" " I'll try, sir," he promptly replied. 

4. Miller immediately led up his men with charged 
bayonets, killed or drove the artillerymen and turned their 
cannon upon the British lines. The enemy were rein- 
forced and made three desperate struggles to regain the 
heights ; but the Americans, with obstinate fury charged 
them in front and rear, took their general prisoner, and 
drove them from the field. The battle continued till mid- 
night. About 3000 were engaged on each side, and the 
contest was so nearly equal that each army lost between 
eis^ht and nine hundred men. 

^5. The American forces now retired to fort Erie. 



4. What did Miller do ' What was tiio result 



228 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1814, 

Soon after, their post was besieged by a British army of 
5000 men. A heavy cannonade was commenced, which 
soon made a breach in the fortifications of the fort. On 
tlie 15th of August about two hours before dayhght the 
enemy endeavored to -storm the batteries ; but the garri- 
son repulsed them repeatedly with dreadful carnage. 
They succeeded however in carrying a part of the out- 
works, but just at this moment a large magazine exploded 
which made terrible slaughter among them. After a loss 
of 900 men they retreated. The garrison lost only eighty- 
four. 

6. The enemy continued the siege. On the 17th of 
September, the Americans made a sally, and gaining the 
rear charged them with so much fury that they fled from 
their entrenchments, leaving all their cannon and maga- 
zines in the hands of the garrison. About 1000 of the 
British troops were killed, wounded or taken in the short 
space of one hour. Four days after this battle the ene- 
my retired from the fort and reheved the garrison from 
their dangers and their toils. 

7. The next considerable action took place at Platts- 
burgh. During the siege of fort Erie a large force left 
lake Champlain and marched to the relief of the garrison. 
The enemy determined to improve this favorable oppor- 
tunity to attack the important post at Plattsburgh. An 
army of 14,000 veteran soldiers, under the command of 
General Provost, advanced against that place. He ar- 
rived on the 6th of September, and found General Ma- 
comb with about 1500 regular troops and a strong force 
of militia. 



5. Where did ihc American forces now retire ? Describe the 
attack on fort Erie. What was the result? 

6. Wliattook place on the 17th of September? What on the 
21st? 

7. Where did the next considerable action take place ? How 
many soldiers marched against Plattsburgh? When, and under 
whom ? Who commanded the American forces ? 



1814. 



MADISON S ADMINISTRATION. 



229 



8. At this time Commodore Macdonougli, with a small 
fleet amounting in all to 86 guns, lay at anchor in the harbor. 
The British general had resolved to attack the fleet and 
army at the same time ; and for this purpose he had or- 
dered Captain Downie to enter the bay with his whole 
naval force, which carrying 95 guns, was superior to that 
of the Americans. On the 11th the British fleet arrived 
and anchored within 60 rods of the American vessels. 
Both parties gave three cheers and opened their fire. 




BATTLE ON LAKE CHAMPLAIN. 

9. The roar of cannon now rolled incessantly across 
the calm and peaceful lake. One of the British ships had 
her cable shot away, and drifting into the American fleet 
was soon obliged to surrender. In two hours the flag- 
ship of the enemy struck her colors, and shortly the whole 
fleet submitted to the victorious Americans. On shore 



8. Who commanded the American fleet on lake Champlain ? 
What was the comparative size of the two fleets ? W'Jiat took 
place on the 11th ofSeptember ? How did the battle commence ? 

9. Describe the battle of lake Champlain. Describe the battle 
on shore. 

20 



230 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1814. 

the battle was equally furious but not so decisive. The 
British made three attempts to cross the Saranac, a small 
river which separated the armies ; but they were as often 
driven back with the loss of many men killed cind wounded. 

10. The shout of victory from the harbor, v/hile it 
dampened the courage of the British, excited the most ar- 
dent enthusiasm along the American lines. Repulsed and 
disappointed, the enemy by night retreated in great con- 
fusion, leaving their wounded, baggage, and stores in the 
hands of the conquerors. The loss of the day on the Ame- 
rican side was 230 men ; while that of the British amount- 
ed to 2700, a part of this number, however, deserted 
from the retreating army. This decisive action put an 
end to the war on the northern frontier. 

11. In the mean time the British had made a success- 
ful invasion of the country bordering on the Chesapeake. 
On the 19th of August, General Ross with 5000 troops 
landed on the banks of the Patuxent, about 40 miles 
from Washington. The only naval force there to oppose 
them was a jfleet of gun-boats, which on the approach of 
the enemy retreated up the river, and was burnt to pre- 
vent its falling into their hands. Ross soon commenced 
his march towards Washington. 

12. The Americans felt great alarm at the progress of 
this powerful army. General Winder, the American 
commander, could not muster more than about 1000 re- 
gular troops and 2000 militia to oppose the march of the 
enemy. On the 24th the Americans were attacked at 



10. What was the result of the battles of Plattsburg and Cham- 
plain .'' 

11. What took place on the 19th of August? Towards what 
city did Koss march his troops ? 

12. Who commanded the American forces? How large was 
his army ? Describe the battle of Bladensburg. When did the 
British enter Washington? VVljat did they do there? Did they 
act the part of an honorable foe? A. They destroyed valuable 
libraries, works of taste, and elegant specimens of the fine arts. 
Was that right? 



1814. Madison's administration. 231 

Bladensburg. At first they made a vigorous defense ; 
but the superior force of the British soon put them to 
flight. In the evening of the same day the enemy march- 
ed into Washington. The inhabitants, terrified at their 
approach, had deserted the city. In about one hour, the 
capitol, president's house and all the public buildings were 
in flames. The ships in the navy-yard, and the great 
bridge across the Potomac shared the same fate. On the 
next day the British left the city ; and soon after returned 
to their fleet. 

13. This wanton destruction of public property excited 
universal indignation and regret, not only throughout 
this country, but throughout Europe. It was every 
where stigmatized as a deed utterly unworthy of a civili- 
zed nation. It had the effect of rousing the whole Ame- 
rican people to more vigorous action. The other cities 
of the country made every exertion for defense. 

14. About the same time a detachment of the enemy 
sailed up the Potomac and attacked Alexandria. The 
citizens to save the town from destruction gave up all 
their shipping and merchandize. General Ross now de- 
termined to attempt the capture of Baltimore. On the 
12th of September, 5000 men were landed at North Point, 
fourteen miles below that city. Great preparations had 
been made for defense, and about 15,000 men were in 
arms ready to meet the enemy. 

15. General Ross, as he was marching towards Balti- 
more, was met by a strong detachment under General 
Striker, and in a sku'mish received a mortal wound. His 
troops, after a sharp action, advanced and took position 

13. How was the corxlucl of the British at Washington re- 
garded in America and Europe? 

14. What happened at Alexandria.' What did General Ross 
determine to do next.' Where did he land liis troops .' 

15. What liappened as he was marching his troops towards 
Baltimore.^ What did his troops do.' What was the fleet do- 
ing in the mean time.' The result of the tieet.' Army .' 



232 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



1814 



within two miles of the American lines. In the mean 
time the British fleet had attacked fort McHenry, and an 




BOMBARDMENT OF FORT MC HENRY. 

attempt was made to land and carry the batteries by 
storm, but it was resisted with great bravery. After 
this repulse of the fleet, the army fearing to venture a bat- 
tle with the main body of the American forces, retreated ; 
and on the 14th re-embarked, and soon after left the bay. 
16. In the month of July a British squadron visited the 
coast of New-England, and subjected the inhabitants to 
great losses and distress. Numerous attacks were made 
upon the unprotected towns and harbors, and a vast 
amount of property destroyed.* But while the forts of the 

]6. What happened in the month of July? Describe the 
capture of the Essex. What British vessels were captured ? 



* The British ascended the Connecticut river to Pettipaug', or Essex, a vil- 
lage in the town of Saybrook, anil destroyed shijiping' to ilie value of more than 
two hundred thousand dollars. On the 8tli of August while a British fleet was 
layint^off tlie coast of New-London, a brig' of 18 guns was sent to bombard the 
village of Stonington. The ])i()ple were wholly unj)rej)ared for tlie attack. 
At length two 18|ponnders were found, and with these, so active and well direct- 
ed a fire was kept up on the brigf, that she was greatly daniaged and compelled 
to cut her cables, and retire, with many killed and wounded. 



1814. Madison's administration. 233 

country were blockaded by the enemy, our public ves- 
sels and privateers were successfully cruising upon the 
open ocean. Several battles were fought which added 
new lustre to the rising fame of the American navy. 
Commodore Porter in the Essex had made numerous pri- 
zes on the Pacific ocean. Alarmed at his success, the 
British sent two vessels in pursuit of him. After a most 
obstinate defense, in which the Americans displayed a de- 
gree of bravery and perseverance truly astonishing, and 
the British great treachery and meanness, the Essex 
was overpowered. Captain Blakely in the sloop Wasp 
captured two British vessels, the Reindeer and the Avon, 
each of greater force. The Wasp with her noble crew 
was afterwards lost at sea. 

17. In the latter part of summer, several British ships 
arrived on the coast of Florida,* with a supply of arms 
and ammunition for the Indians. General Jackson then 
perceiving the movements of the enemy, collected a 
patriotic band, and with his usual promptness marched 
against the city of Pensacola, where they had landed. 
He sent a flag to demand redress from the governor, 
but this was fired on from the batteries. He at once led 
on his men, stormed the fort, took possession of the town, 
and compelled the British to leave the harbor. 

18. Soon after this. General Jackson received news 
that a powerful fleet had left the West Indies, with the 
design of attacking New-Orleans. He immediately has- 

17. What vessels arrived on the coast of Florida? Under 
what government was P^lorida at that time ? .4. It was under 
the government of Spain. What did these vessels bring ? What 
did General Jackson do ? Did the Spanish governor do right in 
permitting the British to furnish the Indians with armsf Why 
did General Jackson take Pensacola ? 

18. What force was sent against New-Orleans.'' What did 
General Jackson now do ? How did he fortify the city ? 

* Florida at that time was a Spanish province. In 181Q, it was ceded by 
Spain to the United States, and in 1822 it was erected into a territorial govern- 
ment. 

20* 



234 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1814. 

tened to that city and made every preparation for a des- 
perate defense. His presence inspired the citizens with 
hope and courage, and they were ready to second every 
effort of a man so justly celebrated in war for activity, 
prudence, and good fortune. He led them forth in per- 
son, and strongly fortified ever}^ point which a vigorous 
foe would be likely to assail. A Ipng extent of breast- 
work constructed of cotton bales, and other impenetrable 
materials, was soon completed, and cannon mounted so 
as to sweep the whole line. 

19. A small squadron of gun-boats were stationed to 
oppose the entrance of the enemy into lake Borgne. 
After a bloody conflict this force was overpowered and 
the British army advanced and took post within nine 
miles of the city. General Jackson, v/ishing to cut off 
all intercourse with the enemy, and knowing thai a great 
part of the citizens were foreigners, and little attached to 
our institutions, placed the city under martial law. On 
the 23d of December, the Anicricans saUied forth, and 
made a furious assault upon the camp of the enemy, and 
after a severe contest retired to their entrenchments. 

20. On the 8th of January, Packenham, the British 
general, with an army of 8000 regular troops, com- 
menced a determined assault upon the American lines on 
both sides of the river Mississippi. By this time the mi- 
litia from the back country, and volunteers from Ken- 
tucky and Tennessee, most of whom were experienced 
riflemen, had arrived in considerable numbers, and placed 
themselves under General Jackson. 

21. The British forces advanced in two columns with 
the most determined braver}^ When they had ap- 



19. Wliy did General Jackson put the city under martial law ? 
Wliat took place on the 23d of December? 

20. What on the 8th of January ? Who arrived and placed 
themselves under General Jackson .'' 

21. How did the British advance ? What reception did they 
meet with ? 



1814. 



MADISON S ADMINISTRATION. 



285 



preached within sixty rods of the breastworks, the whole 
artillery opened upon them a most deadly fire. Forty 
pieces of cannon, deeply charged with grape shot and 
musket-balls, mowed them down by hundreds. The rear 
ranks, marching over the dead, advanced only to meet 
the same fate. The American riflemen, completely 
sheltered behind their works, took deliberate aim, and 
every shot fell with terrible effect upon the British col- 
umns. 

22. General Packenham was killed as he was leading 
on his troops to the charge. General Gibbs fell soon 
after, and General Keene was borne from the field se- 
verely wounded. No troops could withstand the fire of 




BATTLE OF NEW-ORLEANS. 



the Americans. It was one continued stream pouring 
in upon the enemy an unceasing tide of death. The 
battle continued for one hour and a quarter with undimi- 



22. What officers were killed ? How long did the battle con- 
tinue ? The result? How many of the enemy were killed 
or wounded? How many Americans ? 



236 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1814, 

nished fury. But the British, having lost all their princi- 
})al officers, now fled in confusion, leaving more than 
2000 dead or wounded on the field. Of the Americans, 
only six men were killed, and seven wounded. 

23. On the other side of the river the enemy were 
more successful. The batteries were carried by storm, 
and 48 of the Americans killed, and 178 wounded. But 
disheartened by the loss of the day, the British relinquished 
their design, and soon after retreated to their shipping. 
News of this brave defense spread rapidly through the 
country, and in the midst of their joy, congress received 
intelligence that a treaty of peace had been concluded. 
Commissioners of the United States had met the agents 
of Great Britain and signed the treaty at Ghent, on the 
25th of December, 1814. It was immediately accepted 
by the president and senate. 

24. Thus closed an eventful war of three years. The 
forbearance of the United States under the unjust and 
oppressive measures of Great Britain, had long been a 
matter of reproach in the eyes of all Europe, and the 
character of the American people was fast sinking into 
contempt. But when they saw the proud and triumph- 
ant navy of England successfully assailed by that of the 
United States, and her best frigates compelled to strike 
to an inferior force, — when they saw thousands of Brilish 
merchantmen captured by our enterprizing seamen, they 
began to look upon us with admiration and applause. 

25. Unhappily, during the war a violent party spirit 
had prevailed, which greatly divided the strength of the 
nation. On the 15th of December, 1814, a convention 
assembled at Hartford, consisting of delegates appointed 
by the legislatures of several of the New-England states, 



23. When was peace conchided ? 

24. How long had the war continued ? How were we looked 
upon by the nations of Europe at the close of the war .'' 

25. When did the Hartford convention meet f What proposal 
was mader 



1815. Madison's administeation. 237 

who made complaint against the proceedings of the ge- 
neral government, and proposed the adoption of certain 
measures for defending New-England against the enemy, 
independent of the provision made by congress for that 
purpose, which, it was contended, was inadequate to the 
object. The convention proposed that the general go- 
vernment should relinquish to the New-England states a 
portion of the revenue collected in |;hose states, for the 
purpose of defraying the expenses incurred in defending 
the frontiers of these states. 

26. After the adjournment of the convention, the le- 
gislatures of the states alluded to, appointed agents to 
present their views to congress, agreeably to the sugges- 
tions of the convention ; but before the subject was in- 
troduced to the attention of congress, peace was happily 
concluded between the two contending nations, and no- 
thing further was urged on the subject. A great differ- 
ence of opinion has existed, with regard to the motives 
of the members of this convention ; but though their de- 
signs may have been perfectly pure and patriotic, their 
meeting in convention under circumstances of so much 
difficulty and excitement, has since been generally re- 
garded as a measure impolitic and unwise. 

27. Although numerous evils attended the prosecution 
of the war, the final result of taking up arms, was in the 
highest degree beneficial to the nation. Since the close of 
this war, the United States have enjoyed a degree of na- 
tional prosperity unequaled in the history of the world. 

28. Immediately after peace was established, congress 
reduced the army to the number of 10,000 men, and 

26. What occurred soon after the adjournmont of the conven- 
tion ? 

27. What was the final result of our taking up arms.' What 
Jias been the condition of the United States since the close of 
the war ? 

28. To what number did congress reduce the army in 1815.'' 
In 1821, it reduced it to 6.000 men. What naval engagements 
took place after peace was concluded ? 



238 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1816. 

adopted other measures suited to the new state of the 
country. A number of our ships were still at sea, and be- 
fore the news of peace reached them, several honorable 
victories were gained. The Constitution, after a severe 
battle with two British vessels, the Cyane and Levant, 
whose united forces were superior to hers, captured them 
both. Shortly after, in the month of March, the British 
brig Penguin was taken by the Hornet, although of su- 
perior force. 

29. At this time, the Algerines were again committing 
depredations upon American commerce. To check 
their aggressions. Commodore Decatur was sent with a 
fleet of nine vessels into the Mediterranean. After 
capturing two of their armed vessels, he arrived off the 
harbor of Algiers. The Dey, or king, terrified at the 
danger of losing his scattered navy, was obliged to sub- 
mit to any terms which the Americans should propose. 
Decatur demanded the immediate release of all Ameri- 
can captives, and sixty thousand dollars as a compensa- 
tion for our ships which had been plundered, and that in 
future, no tribute should be required from the government 
of the United States. These terms were at once ac- 
cepted, and peace was concluded. 

30. In 1816, an act was passed establishing a bank of 
the United States, with a capital of 35,000,000 dollars, 
upon principles similar to those contained in the charter 
of the old bank. During the same year, Indiana was 
admitted into the Union. The earliest settlement in this 
state, was made by the French in 1730, at Vincennes. 



29. Who was sent against the Algerines ? Where is Algiers ? 
How far do you suppose Algiers is from us ? In 1830 the French 
took Algiers, and still retain possession of it. What was the 
result of Decatur's expedition ? 

30. When was the United States Bank chartered ? For what 
length of time was it chartered ? Ji. For twenty years, or until 
the 3rd of March, 1836. When was Indiana admitted into the 
Union ^ Who succeeded Mr. Madison in the presidency i 



1817. Monroe's adbiinistration. 239 

Until 1801, it formed a part of the " territory north-west 
of the Ohio." At that time it was erected into a territo- 
rial government. At the next election in 1817, James 
JMonroe succeeded Mr. Madison in the presidency. Da- 
niel D. Tompkins was elected vice-president. 



MONROE'S AND ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION. 

1. On the 4th of March 1817, Mr. Monroe took the 
usual oath of office, and entered upon the duties of the 
presidency. During the summer after his inauguration, 
he made a tour through the northern and eastern states, 
for the purpose of giving directions respecting certain 
works of pubhc interest, the fortification of the sea-coast, 
the increase of the navy, &c. which were under his su- 
permtendence. He was received with every demonstra- 
tion of affection and respect. At the next session of 
congress, honorable provision was made, by government, 
for the comfortable support of all officers and soldiers of 
the revolution, whose circumstances were such as to need 
assistance. 

2. The general peace which now prevailed throughout 
Europe, cut off many sources of profitable trade to 
American commerce. Our manufactories also found it 
impossible to compete with the old establishments of 
foreign countries. In this state of affairs, thousands who 
had become acquainted with the fertile lands of the west, 
emigrated to that region. People from the eastern and 
middle states, and from foreign countries, began to pour 
into the western country in vast numbers ; and new states 
were added to the Union in rapid succession. 

3. Mississippi was admitted in 1817. The first set- 

1. Wlien was Mr. Monroe inaugurated ? What did he do 
shortly after this? For what class of persons did congress make 
provision? To what amount ? A. Twenty dollars a month to 
officers, and twelve to privates. 

2. What causes tended to produce emigration ? 

3. When was Mississippi admitted into the Union ? 



240 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1818. 

tlement in this state was made by the French, at Natchez, 
in 1716. The territory between the Mississippi and the 
boundary of Georgia, was placed under a territorial go- 
vernment in 1800. Large tracts of land in this state, 
which belonged to the Choctaw Indians, have been con- 
veyed by treaty to the United States. In December 
1818, Illinois was acknowledged as a sovereign state, and 
admitted as a member of the Union. It was first settled 
by the French, at Kaskaskia, in 1749. It remained as 
a part of Indiana tiU 1809, when a separate territorial 
government was established over it. Since it became 
an independent state, its 'population has increased with 
astonishing rapidity. 

4. The year 1818, was distinguished for the famous 
Se?ninole war. The Seminoles were a tribe of Indians 
inhabiting the northern part of Florida. For several 
years, disaffected Indians from neighboring tribes, negroes, 
and other desperate characters, had made Florida a place 
of refuge. At length, great outrages were committed ; 
and the savages, influenced by motives of revenge and 
plunder, took up arms against the whites. In December, 
General Jackson, with a body of brave volunteers from 
Tennessee, marched into their territory, and in several 
skirmishes defeated and dispersed them. 

5. Convinced that the Spaniards were active in exciting 
the Indians to hostilities, and furnishing them with supplies, 
and satisfied that the only successful method of putting 
an end to the war, would be to enter Florida, he marched 
thither, and took possession of St. Marks and Pensacola. 
Two Englishmen by the names of Ambrister and Ar- 
buthnot were taken prisoners, tried before a court-martial 
" for exciting, and aiding the Indians to make war against 
the United States," &c. They were found guilty of the 

4. Give an account of the Seminole war. What is the mean- 
ing of the word Seminole? A. Wild. It is applied by the Creek 
Indians to all vagabonds of that nation. 

5. What persons were tried and executed .' 



1820. Monroe's administration. 241 

charges, and were sentenced, and executed. Having 
routed the Indians in several battles, and put an effectual 
check to their hostilities, General Jackson declared the 
war at an end, and returned to his residence in Ten- 
nessee. 

6. A treaty of commerce was concluded with the 
British government in 1819, by which the citizens of the 
United States were allowed to fish in common with the 
subjects of Great Britain. By the same treaty, the 
northern boundary of the United States, from the lake of 
the Woods to the Rocky mountains, was established. 
During the same year, x\labama was admitted into the 
Union. Formerly, Alabama belonged to Georgia. In 
1800, the country between the Chatahoochee and Missis- 
sippi rivers was erected into the Mississippi Territory. 
In 1817, the western part of this became the state of 
Mississippi as previously mentioned, and the eastern part 
the territory of Alabama. The first settlement was 
made in 1783, at Mobile. Since that time, the popula- 
tion has increased with wonderful rapidity, and from the 
fertility of its soil, and the value of its productions, it 
bids fair to become an important member of the Union. 

7. In 1820, Maine, which had hitherto been connected 
with Massachusetts, became an independent state and 
joined the Union. The next year, Missouri was admit- 
ted. On its admission, congress, and the whole country, 
became highly excited on the question whether slavery 
should be allowed to exist in that state. Afler a warm 
and protracted debate, it was finally settled that slavery 
should be allowed in Missouri, but should be entirely ex- 



6. Wliat treaty was concluded in 1819? What boundary 
was established by this treaty ^ When was Alabama admitted 
into the Union ? 

7. When did Maine join the Union ? When was Missouri 
admitted ? What question produced great excitement ? How 
was it finally settled ? 

21 



242 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1825. 

eluded from all the other territory of the United States, 
north of Arkansas, and west of the Mississippi. 

8. In 1821, Florida, which had been hitherto under 
the dominion of Spain, was granted by treaty to the 
United States, in compensation for the spoliations com- 
mitted upon their commerce by Spanish vessels, during 
the wars of Europe. To satisfy the claims of the mer- 
chants who had suffered by these spoliations, the general 
government appropriated the sum of five millions of dol- 
lars. Florida had long been the hiding place of hostile 
Indians, pirates, runaway slaves and other desperadoes, 
who lived by plunder and violence. A vigorous govern- 
ment was now established over the territory, under the 
direction of General Jackson. 

9. In 1824, General Lafayette arrived at New- 
York. This event produced great joy throughout the 
nation. This distinguished personage had devoted a long 
life and an ample fortune, to the cause of Hberty, — he 
had been the bosom friend of Washington, and a most 
faithful soldier in the war of the revolution, — and now, 
in his old age, he had crossed the ocean to visit once 
more the field of his youthful toils and sufferings. As 
he passed through the several states, he was every where 
received with the warmest enthusiasm, and with the high- 
est demonstrations of affection and gratitude. He left 
the country about a year after his arrival. As a token 
of their gratitude, and as a partial compensation for his 
services to the country, congress voted huxi the sum of 
200,000 dollars in money, and a township of land in the 
territory of Florida. 

10. Mr. Monroe continued in the presidency till 1825, 



8. When was Florida granted to the United States? Why? 

9. What took place in 1824 ? What can you say of Lafayette ? 
What were voted him by congress ? 

10. Who were the candidates for the presidency at the next 
election ? What was the result ? 



1825. ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION. 243 

when four candidates for that office were brought forward, 
and a warm contest ensued. General Jackson, Mr. 
Crawford, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Clay, each had their sup- 
porters. General Jackson had the highest number of 
votes, but as he had not a majority of the whole, the 
choice was decided, according to the constitution, by the 
members of congress. As Mr. Clay had the least num- 
ber of votes, his friends united with those of Mr. Adams, 
who was finally elected president. John C. Calhoun 
was elected vice-president. 

11. Mr. Adams took the oath prescribed by the con- 
stitution, and entered upon the duties of his office, on the 
4th of March, 1825. Henry Clay, of Kentucky, was 
appointed secretary of state ; Richard Rush, of Pennsyl- 
vania, secretary of the treasury; and James Barbour, 
of Virginia, secretary of war. 

12. In 1825, a spirit of speculation prevailed exten- 
sively throughout this country, and also in Europe ; during 
which time, cotton, and other articles were bought and 
sold for more than twice their ordinary value. After 
the rage subsided, thousands who held stocks at the ad- 
vanced prices, were thrown into embarrassment and ruin. 
The distress in England was so great, as very sensibly 
to check the operations of business in the United States. 

13. The 4th of July 1826, was joyfully celebrated 
throughout the country, as the 50th anniversary of Ame- 
rican independence. It is remarkable, that on this veiy 
day occurred the death of the two venerable ex-presidents, 
Adams and Jefferson, whose wise counsels had, in 
no small degree, contributed to the independence and 
prosperity of their country. Few events of great na- 
tional interest, occurred during Mr. Adams' administra- 
tion. The spirit of internal improvement which has 
characterized the nation since that time, began to be 

11. Who were appointed secretaries under this administration ? 

12. What prevailed in 1825.? 

13. What was celebrated in 1826.? 



244 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1829. 

manifested in different parts of the country. Peace and 
prosperity every where prevailed. 

14. During the four j^ears of Mr. Adams' service, a 
warm contest was maintained betw^een his friends and 
those of General Jackson. For some time, both parties 
were confident of success. But at the next election, the 
result of the contest proved to be in favor of General 
Jackson, who was elected president by a large majority. 
John C. Calhoun was re-elected vice-president. 



JACKSON'S ADMINISTRATION. 

1. On the 4th of March 1829, General Jackson took 
the oath of office, and entered upon his duties as presi- 
dent of the United States. At tliis time, the affairs of 
the nation were in a high degree prosperous. At peace 
with all the world, the country was enjoying every facility 
for advancing to affluence and power. Business of all 
kinds was vigorously and profitably carried on, and thou- 
sands were gathering a rich harvest of wealth. 

2. During the session of 1831-32, a bill was brought 
forward in congress for re-chartering the United States. 
Bank. Great interest was manifested in all parts of the 
country, on the subject of this bill. After a very warm 
and protracted debate in both houses of congress, it was 
passed by a small majority, but was vetoed by the presi- 
dent, and as there were not two-thirds of congress in 
favor of its passage, the bill was lost. 

14. Between whom was a contest maintained during this ad- 
ministration? How did it result? 

1. What took place on the 4th of March 1829 ? What is said 
of the affairs of the nation at tiiat time .'' 

2. When was the bill for re-chartering the United States Bank 
brougiu forward ? What was the result? Wlien did the old 
charter expire? A. In 183G. What is meant by vetoing a bill? 
See constitution of the United States^ Article 1, Section 7. Can a 
bill be passed into a law, after it has been vetoed by the presi- 
dent? 



1832. jacp:son's administration. 245 

3. In the spring of 1832, the Winnebagoes, and other 
Indian tribes on our north-western frontier, commenced 
a war upon the neighboring inhabitants. General Scott, 
with a strong force proceeded against tliem, and on the 
S7th of August, captured the famous Indian chief Black 
Hawk, and soon put- an end to the war. Black Hawk, 
and several other Indians were conducted to Washington, 
and through the country, for the purpose of giving them 
some idea of the extent and power of the United States, 
and to show them the folly of making war against the 
whites. After this, they were permitted to return to their 
tribes. 

4. In 1832, congress passed a new tariff bill. The 
country had been agitated for several years, with the 
subject of the tariff laws, and at length, the excitement 
became so great at the south, that an " ordinance" was 
published by a convention in South-Carolina, nullifying, 
or forbidding the operation of the tariff laws of the ge- 
neral government, in that state. This act called forth a 
proclamation from president Jackson, in wliich he clearly 
showed the supremacy of the laws of congress, and ex- 
pressed his determination to enforce them. The laws 
regulating the tariff have since been modified. 

5. In June of the same year, the Cholera broke out 

3. Who commenced a war upon our north-western frontiers? 
Who proceeded against them ? Who did he capture? Where 
were Black Hawk and several other Indians conducted ? For 
what purpose ? 

4. Wiiat bill was passed in 1832? What is meant by tariff 
laws ? Jl. The laws which regulate the duties on foreign manu- 
factures. As the price of labor in Europe, is much less than it is in 
America, cloth and other articles, can be made there and sold in 
this country, much cheaper than we can afford to make them. If 
a yard of cloth made in England, can be afforded for three dollars 
without duty, when a yard of the same quality cannot be made here 
for less than five dollars, the tariff law imposes a duty of two dol- 
lars upon every yard of such cloth in)ported. The object of 
this is to enable our manufacturers to compete with those of 
other countries, by making the price of foreign and domestic 
manufactureis the same. 

21* 



246 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 1835. 

in New- York. Tliis scourge of Asia and Europe, which 
had swept away fifty millions of the human race in the 
course of a few years, first appeared on this side of the 
ocean in Canada. It was imported from some of the 
cities in Europe, where it was then raging. A universal 
panic prevailed on its first appearance, and the inhabitants 
of our large cities were seen fleeing into the country in 
all directions, to avoid this "fell destroyer." In New- 
York, 3000 people died of this horrible disease, in the 
course of a few weeks. The malady spread in all direc- 
tions, but proved most destructive in the southern and 
western states. 

6. The candidates for the presidency, supported at the 
next election, were General Jackson, Henry Clay, and. 
Wilham Wirt. Jackson was re-elected by an increased 
majority, and entered upon his second term of service, 
on the 4th of March, 1833. Martin Van Buren was 
elected vice-president. 

7. In 1835, serious apprehensions were felt throughout 
the country, of a war between the United States and 
France. For many years our government had urged its 
claims upon France for spoliations upon American com- 
merce committed by that nation during the wars of Na- 
poleon. These claims to the amount of 25,000,000 of 
francs, had been acknowledged by the French government, 
and stipulations made for a settlement. But for various 
reasons the payment was put off from time to. time, till 
our government, considering the honor of the nation at 
stake, proposed certain measures, which, it was feared, 
would involve the two nations in war. But fortunately 



5. What is said of the cholera? How many died in New- 
York? 

6. Who were candidates for the presidency at the next elec- 
tion ? 

7. What claims had our government upon France at this 
time ? 



1835. 



JACKSON S ADMINISTRATION. 



247 



all difterences have been amicably settled and arrange- 
ments made for payment. 

8. The most destructive fire ever known in the United 
States, occurred in New-York, on the 16th of December, 
1835. In the evening about 9 o'clock the fire broke out 
in the richest part of the city, and extended in all direc- 
tions, till it had reduced to ashes several "hundred of the 
finest stores in the world. The night was exceedingly 
cold, and the wind high. The flames towering up in lofty 




GREAT FIRE IN NEW-YORK. 

pyramids from the wide spread conflagration, rendered 
the scene awfully subhme. The number of buildings de- 
stroyed, besides the Merchant's Exchange, was over 500, 
and the loss of property in buildings and goods was esti- 
mated at more than seventeen millions of dollars. 

9. During the winter of 1835, the Seminole Indians of 



8. Wliat occurred in New-York in 1835 ? How many build- 
in<rs burnt? How much property destroyed ? 

l). What war broke out in 1835? What was the fate of Ma- 
jor Dade and his company ? 



248 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



1836. 



Florida, who had agreed by treaty to remove west of 
the Mississippi, became dissatisfied with their prospects ; 
and influenced by motives of revenge and love of coun- 
try, they opened a most cruel and desperate warfare upon 
the whites. Troops were immediately marched into 
Florida, but found the utmost difficulty and danger in pen- 
etrating the thick swamps and woods in which the sava- 
ges had taken refuge. On the morning of the 28th of 
December, as Major Dade with a brave band of soldiers 




DEATH OF MAJOR DADE. 

was marching through a wood thick-set with long grass 
and underbrush, his whole company, consisting of 110 
men, were suddenly surprised with a deadly fire from the 
surrounding thicket, and all killed, excepting four, who 
escaped. 

10. On the 29th of February 1836, General Gaines 
with a force of about 1200 men, fell in with the main body 

10. When did General Gaines meet the enemy ? What was 
the situation of his army during the siege ? What appears from 
the la^it accounts ? 



1836. Jackson's administration. 249 

of the Seminoles, about 1500 in number. An assault was 
made by the Indians, but nothing decisive resulted. 
General Gaines entrenched his army, and was immediately 
besieged by the enemy. In this situation his men were re- 
duced to a state of starvation, and would probaby have pe- 
rished had not General Clinch arrived soon after with re- 
inforcements. From the latest accounts it appears that 
the Creeks, a neighboring tribe, have joined with the Se- 
minoles, and began their hostilities by butchering fifty 
families. From the situation and united strength of these 
savages, a powerful force will be necessary to subdue 
them. 

11. During the year 1835, the national debt was 
extinguished ; and, from the rapid sale of public lands and 
from the flourishing state of the nation, a balance of seve- 
ral millions of surplus revenue was, at the beginning of 
1836, remaining in the treasury. The commercial af- 
fairs of the United States are at the present time in the 
highest degree prosperous. The facilities for internal 
commerce are daily increasing. The spirit of public and 
individual enterprise is fast intersecting the whole country 
with canals and rail-roads ; so that distance is almost an- 
nihilated, and all parts of the union are brought into near 
neighborhood. 

12. The population of the country is rapidly increas- 
ing. According to the census taken in 1830, the whole 
number ^vas about thirteen millions. The average in- 
crease is now estimated at about 1000 a day. A bill was 
passed by congress during the last session admitting 
Michigan and Arkansas into the Union. A bill was also 
passed for erecthig Wisconsin territory into a territorial 
government. 

11. When was the national debt extinguished? AVhat is the 
present state of commercial aliairs ? 

12. What was the population in 183U .'' What states have been 
admitted into the Union the present year r What new territory 
erected.'' How are the United States bounded ? 



250 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



A GENERAL VIEW. 

1. In concluding the history of the United States, it 
is proper to take a general view of the more prominent 
features which distinguish the character and institutions 
of the country. We have traced its rapid progress from 
infancy up to its present growth. It remains for genera- 
tions jet unborn to describe the future glory and power 
of this youthful nation. 

COMMERCE AND MANUFACTURES. 

2. The commerce of the United States is already very 
extensive and is constantly increasing. The value of 
the articles imported in 1835, was propably not much 
less than one hundred and thirty millions of dollars. The 
value of exports was about ninety millions. The Cod and 
Whale Fisheries are a source of great wealth to our en- 
terprising seamen. The product of the forest, in skins 
and furs, wood and lumber, naval stores, &c. yield an an- 
nual income of several millions. Agriculture, in the 
produce of various kinds of animals, vegetable food, and 
cotton and tobacco, &c. is a source of immense wealth to 
the southern and western states. The manufactures of 
iron and other metals, of cotton, flax and hemp, of glass, 
wood and leather, &c. are a principal source of income 
to New-England. 

3. The amount of tonnage in the United States, reck- 
oning the various kinds of shipping and boats, is probably 
not less than 1,500,000 tons. The steam-boat tonnage is 
about 1 25,000 tons ; and is increasing with astonishing 
rapidity. Such, indeed has been the rapid growth of man- 
ufactures, and the great development of internal resour- 
ces, that, while the foreign trade of the United States has 
been for a number of years nearly stationar}^, the coast- 
ing trade has steadily increased at a rapid pace. The 
country in fact, forms a great island, surrounded by tlie 



A GENERAL VIEW. 251 

Mississippi, the lakes and the ocean, intersected by navi- 
gable rivers and canals, and furnishing such a variety of 
natural productions as to afford, in miniature, a picture of 
the commerce of the world. 

INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 

4. The progress of internal improvements in this coun- 
try, within the last four years, is astonishing and beyond 
all example in the history of the world. Says a late wri- 
ter, " From the best estimate we have been able to make, 
the number of miles of canal in the United States, com- 
pleted on the first of January, 1835, and which would not 
long after be completed, is about 2,867, and their cost 
$64,573,099. The rail-roads which were completed on 
the first of January, 1835, or would not long after be 
completed, are in length, taken together about 1,600 
miles, and their cost not far from $30,000,000. 

5. When the cost of the rail -roads in the United Stales 
is added to that of the canals, it will be found, that there has 
been, or soon will be expended, in this country, on these 
two kinds of internal improvements, a sum not less than 
about $94,000,000 ; and this has been done principally 
since 1817. In reviewing the account of the canals and 
rail-roads of the United States, it will be perceived that 
the two principal objects originally contemplated in ma- 
king them, have, in a great measure, been accomphshed. 
A safe internal water communication along or near the 
Atlantic sea-board, has been completed, — large vessels 
can now go from the Hudson to the Delaware, through 
the Raritan and Delaware canal, from thence through the 
Delaware and Chesapeake canal, and Chesapeake Bay, 
to Norfolk in Virginia ; and from Norfolk through the 
Dismal Swamp canal, to Albemarle Sound in North- 
Carolina. 

6. The eastern and western waters are now connect- 
ed, not only from the Hudson to lake Erie, through the 
state of New- York ; but also from the Delaware to the 



252 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Ohio, and to the same lake througfi Pennsylvania. This 
has greatly facilitated the intercourse between the east 
and the west, to the immense advantage of both ; and 
has bound them together by ties, which, we trust, can 
never be broken. In addition to this evidence of the 
great and growing wealth and resources of this country, 
it will be remembered that the United States, during the 
same period [18 years,] have paid off a national debt of 
more than $120,000,000. Enough, we trust, is here 
disclosed to prove, beyond all doubt, that the wealth and 
resources of the United States have kept pace with their 
population ; and that for the last eighteen years, the pro- 
gress of internal improvements has surpassed the most 
sanguine expectations of the American patriot, and ex- 
ceeded that of any other nation." 

GOVERNMENT. 

7. The character of the first settlers of this country, 
which was strongly marked with the peculiar features of 
that age, has been stamped upon all the important insti- 
tutions which are the inheritance of their posterity. The 
period in which they left the mother country was one 
of great intellectual and political excitement. The peo- 
ple, who had for a long time enjoyed free and popular in- 
stitutions, were engaged in defending them against the 
encroachments of the king. The principles of liberty, the 
rights of man, the nature, use and objects of government, 
were topics of general interest and discussion in Eng- 
land, and republican maxims were warmly embraced by 
many. It was a period distinguished for astonishing pro- 
gress in hterature, and all the arts of civil life. 

8. The state of religion in England at this time was 
peculiar. The national religion derived its force and its 
rights from the crown ; the church therefore became the 
advocate of passive obedience and divine right ; and the 
puritans, as they were reproachfully called, or non-con- 
formists, were compelled to attack the temporal power. 



A GENERAL VIEW. 253 

and to defend civil liberty, while assailing the intolerance 
of the church and defending freedom of conscience. This 
mixture of religious faith in the contest for political rights, 
gave the English puritans the zeal, boldness and perseve- 
rance of religious reformers. 

9. The colonists brought with them to America the 
broadest and most generous principles of liberty, but they 
left behind them those restraints which, in some degree, 
checked their free action in England. They brought the 
jury and the right of representation, but left behind them 
the chains which the church and court were endeavoring 
to fasten upon their countrymen. Feudal services, privi- 
leged orders, corporations and monopolies, with other sim- 
ilar burdens upon industry, and insults upon honest merit, 
found no place in the western forests. But civilization, 
arts and literature, without the corruption and gross H- 
centiousness which characterized the reigns of James I. 
and Charles II. were brought hither in the train of K- 
berty. 

10. The government which we now enjoy, is based 
upon the principles which were developed and reduced 
to practice by our forefathers. It is a representative de- 
mocracy, in which the people entrust the administration 
of affairs to executive and legislative officers of their 
choice. The powers of those officers are stricdy defined 
by the constitution, which was framed by the people 
through their delegates, adopted by them, and can be al- 
tered only by them. The confederation now consists of 
twenty-sLx states, united together so as to form a federal 
republic, in which each state reserves to itself the power 
of directing all its own internal concerns, and leaves to 
the representatives of the whole people, in general con- 
gress, the management of all national affairs. 

11. The government rests on the basis of a full, fair and 
equal representation, the privilege of voting being granted 
to nearly all. Instead of a king and a titled nobihty — ^in- 
stead of a powerful aristocracy, who derive all their autho- 

23 



254 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

rity and wealth from high birth, not from personal merit, 
and who hold their power for life entirely independent 
of the people ; instead of such rulers, the citizens of the 
United States choose from among themselves those whom 
they consider worthy and capable of governing them. 
When their rulers prove themselves unworthy of their of- 
fice they are deposed and others elected. 

12. When the people in any country give themselves a 
representative system, they will take the United States 
for their model ; but when a new constitution emanates 
from the prince, the representation will be framed on as 
narrow a basis as possible : it will be virtually an aristoc- 
racy. Almost every other advantage is comprised in a 
government being free ; and the freedom of that of the 
United States appears, fortunately, to rest on the firmest 
foundation. So long as the present equality of condition 
subsists, the government must be essentially republican. 
If it be impossible, as some alledge, to establish democracy 
in Europe, it is equally impossible to establish aristocracy 
in America. A democratic or unprivileged class exists in 
all countries ; but no class exists at present in the United 
States, or can exist for a long time to come, that could 
sustain the part of an aristocracy. And before such a 
class arises, the principles of freedom will have such a 
firm hold in the habits and associations of the people, that 
all attempts to strip them of the rights they now enjoy, 
must prove unavailing. 

13. As for monarchy, it cannot exist without a privi- 
leged class, unless in the shape of a military despotism. 
Against this evil the United States are secured by their 
situation, which exempts them from the necessity of keep- 
ing up a great military force. North America has not, 
and, if she remain united, never can have, a formidable 
rival in her own division of the continent. In a few years, 
she will outgrow all her rivals in Europe so far, that her 
fleets alone will protect her from their attacks ; for, with 
the extensive coast she possesses, and a population of fifty 



A GENERAL VIEW. 255 

or a hundred millions, the empire of the sea must una- 
voidably fall into their hands. Besides, the noble mode- 
ration of Washington will render it difficult for any com- 
mander, at a future period, to become a traitor to the li- 
berties of his country. 

14. In addition to all these securities for her freedom, 
she has the liberty of the press, and the growing intelli- 
gence of her population. In both of these respects, she 
enjoys such a distinguished pre-eminence over all other 
nations, as to render conclusions drawn from their expe- 
rience inapplicable to her. The circulation of the jour- 
nals is much more extensive than in any other countiy, 
and the class who take an interest in political matters in- 
cludes the whole people. Every act of the government 
maybe said to be performed under the eye of an intelligent 
population, wliich is continually exercising its judgment 
on public affairs, and never fails to reprehend, in the pro- 
per way, any abuse of trust on the part of the public ser- 
vants. Any person who should attempt to play the usurp- 
er in the United States, could not succeed by gaining over 
a few great men, as in other countries, but must impose 
upon the judgment of a whole nation, trained to decide 
on the conduct of public men ; and this is a difficulty 
which no usurper has yet encountered. 

15. It is to the ignorance and apathy of the people that 
political impostors owe their success. An argument of 
rather more weight against the permanence of the gov- 
ernment, is drawn from the tendency of so great a coun- 
try to separate into different empires, from the strength 
of factions, or the opposite interests of different sections 
of the country. Admitting the reality of this danger, 
there are considerations that lessen its amount. The 
states that have been added to the Union since the revo- 
lution, and those that may be added in future, are peopled 
slowly and gradually by drafts from the older and densely 
peopled parts. The effect of this is to spread a similarity 
of manners, language and character over the different 



256 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

states ; the ties of relationship and of a common origin are 
multiplied ; and the connecting links, thus formed in the 
infancy of each new state, acquire the force of habit be- 
fore it has grown up to maturity. 

16. The people at large are proud of the government, 
because it is a monument of their superiority to other na- 
tions. They are attached to it, because, by its composi- 
tion, its conduct and views are always in harmony with 
their opinions and interests. They feel its influence 
more by the protection it gives than by the burdens it 
imposes. All its offices are open to their ambition ; and 
neither birth, profession, nor any form of religious belief, 
is a bar to their hopes. Doubtless the government of 
the United States is not exempt from the errors and im- 
perfections that adhere to all human institutions. But 
compare its public conduct with that of the old govern- 
ments of Europe. How calm and reasonable is its lan- 
guage, always addressing itself to the understanding and 
the solid interests of the people, never to their passions 
or prejudices. 

17. Our government seeks no aid from superstition, 
supports no gainful impostures, and uses none of that dis- 
gusting cant with which the old governments of Europe 
varnish over the degradation of the people. It is a stran- 
ger to state-craft and mystery. All its acts are done in 
the face of day. It promotes knowledge, rehgion and 
learning, without the preference of particular sects, and 
without debasing them by falsehoods beneficial to the 
ruling powers. It is the only government in the world 
that dares to put arms freely into the hands of all its citi- 
zens. From Maine to Arkansas, it commands a prompt 
and ready obedience, without any other weapon than a 
constable's staff. In a word, it secures property, satis- 
fies opinion, promotes the development of industry and 
talent with a rapidity hitherto unexampled ; and, with the 
smallest sacrifice of individual rights and property on the 



A GENERAL VIEW. 257 

part of the people, it accomplishes all that the most ex- 
pensive and powerful governments pretend to. 

CONDITION OF THE PEOPLE. 

18. The population of no country in the world ever 
enjoyed the necessaries and comforts of life in such 
abundance as that of the United States. The high rate of 
wages, the great demand for labor of all kinds, the plenty 
of provisions, the cheapness of land, and the lightness of 
taxes, connected with the absence of all restrictions upon 
industry, and the character of the institutions, would na- 
turally produce such a result. It has been computed that 
a laborer can earn as much in one day as will furnish 
bread and meat to himself, wife and four children, for three 
days nearly. It is observed by travelers — and the ob- 
servation agrees with facts known regarding the lower 
animals — that this abundance of substantial and nourish- 
ing diet has had a visible effect upon the human frame. 
In the western country in particular, where the climate is 
good and rural occupations prevail, the great size and 
athletic frames of the men have struck foreigners with 
surprise. 

19. Where the means of subsistence are so easily pro- 
cured, no person able to work need be in want ; but there 
must be some in all countries, who, from age, or bodily 
or mental infirmities, are unable to support themselves ; 
the number of these, however, is small, and comfortable 
provision is made for their support by state legislation. 
The actual expense is light ; but we have no accurate data 
for determining its amount in the different states. A beg- 
gar is rarely seen in any part of the countiy. To have 
a just idea of the advantages which industry enjoys in the 
United States, we must take into account, that while labor 
yields larger returns than in any other country, a much 
smaller proportion of the produce is taken away in the 
shape of taxes. The revenue of the general government 
is raised from the customs and the sale of the public 

22* 



258 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

lands — no direct taxes being paid except state taxes, 
which are very light. It should also be borne in mind, 
that the distribution of taxes is regulated on juster princi- 
ples in the United States than in other countries ; so that 
the burden falls more directly upon property and con- 
sumption. 

EDUCATION. 

20. The general education of all classes, is a pecuHar 
feature in the policy of this country. A very large pro- 
portion of the first colonists of New-England, were edu- 
cated men. Many of them were distinguished scholars. 
The tone which they imparted has never been lost, and 
the principle which they established, that the education of 
the community should be carried on at the public expense, 
has never been abandoned in the states they planted, but 
has been successively adopted by other states, until at 
last its soundness and im{)ortance are acknowledged by 
all. From this principle, has grown up whatever is pe- 
culiar in American education. In order to understand 
how it is carried on, it is necessary to trace its operation 
through the three stages of instruction provided for, or 
protected by law, in the different states, — common or free 
schools, supported at the public expense ; incorporated 
academies ; and incorporated colleges. 

21. Common or Free Schools. It is manifest that the 
character of the mass of the people will be formed in 
these schools, because the great majority cannot, from 
their circumstances, afford to seek higher or better edu- 
cation than can be obtained in them. These schools, 
therefore, demand the first attention in a free state. One 
of the advantages of the system is, that the whole popu- 
lation is made to take a direct personal interest in the 
business of education, and to carry it on in the way best 
suited to supply the general wants. The people in their 
town-meetings, vote the money, by their committees 
spend the money, and by their ciiildren get the benefits 



A GENERAL VIEW. 259 

of tlie outlay ; the whole management of the school is 
' directly in their own hands. 

22. Another great advantage is, that the schools are 
supported by a tax upon property, wliich is the case in 
all those states which have not a permanent school-fund. 
The arrangement is eminently beneficial to the poorer 
classes of the community. In most towns, one-fifth of 
the inhabitants pay at least one-half of the tax, while they 
do not send one-sixth of the scholars. Of course, the 
school-tax is substantially a tax on the rich to educate the 
children of the poor, and it is thus equally beneficial in 
its operation, to both parties. The poor have the promise 
of the law and the constitution, that their children shall 
be educated, and thus preserved from the greatest temp- 
tation to crime, — the rich are assured that they shall live 
in a community, where universal education shall keep the 
foundations of society safe, and afford them a greater 
personal security than the law can afford. 

23. In this way the system of free schools, as practi- 
cally carried into operation in some parts of this country, 
is to be regarded as a great moral police, to preserve a 
decent, orderly, and respectable population ; to teach 
men from their earliest childhood, their duties and their 
rights ; and, by giving the v/hole mass of the community 
a sense of character and a general intelligence, make them 
understand the value of justice, order, and moral worth, 
and more anxious to maintain them, than the law itself 
can be. The means of improvement being thus given 
to all, we find daily examples in the United States, of 
men raised from the poorer classes of obscure villages, 
who, but for the opportunity offered by the free schools 
at their own doors, to make the first step in their career, 
would never have risen from the humble station in which 
they were born. 

24. The free schools give instruction in the elements 
of an English education, and in the larger towns teach 
Latin and Greek. The public legislation requires no- 



260 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

thing further, but has generally stood ready to assist the 
people, whenever they have shown themselves disposed 
to go beyond this point. This may be seen from the 
number of academies incorporated by law, for the pur- 
poses of giving higher instruction, than can be obtained 
at the common schools. They give instruction in the 
ancient languages, and in some of the modern, as French 
and Spanish, wath the lower branches of mathematics, 
and natural philosophy. These institutions are often 
founded by charitable donations of individuals, and are 
supported in part by the tuition fees of the pupils, which 
are generally very low. Children from the neighboring 
towns are sent to them, and are prepared for the colleges, 
or for active life, as traders, merchants, farmers, &c. 
There are about five hundred such institutions in the 
country, and they are of great importance, as they bring 
the means of a useful, practical education within the 
reach of a very large portion of the community. 

25. The last stage of education, in which the govern- 
ment and people have any direct concern, is in the col- 
leges and universities, which are incorporated institutions, 
possessing more or less funds, a regular body of instruc- 
tors, and the power of conferring degrees. The oldest 
and most celebrated of the colleges, is Harvard college, 
in Cambridge, Massachusetts, founded in 1638. In 1776, 
there were eight of these institutions in the United States. 
The number at the present time is about sixty, differing 
however, extremely in the course of studies, the number 
of teachers, and other advantages which they aiford to 
the students. The colleges have done much good in 
preparing many, in some degree, for their professional 
studies ; but they do not, with some exceptions, give that 
thorough education which is now more and more felt 
to be wanted in the country. 

26. On leaving the colleges, the young men have hi- 
therto, with few exceptions, entered upon the study of 
one of the three professions ; but at present, those who 



A GENERAL VIEW. 261 

devote themselves to the business of manufacturing and 
engineering, are more numerous than formerly. Beyond 
the colleges, little has been done by public legislation for 
education. The law, medical and theological seminaries, 
have been generally established and maintained by the 
exertions of private individuals. There are at present, 
twenty-six theological seminaries in the country ; but a 
small portion of the clergy have, as yet, been educated 
in these institutions, most of which, are indeed, yet in 
their infancy. The number of medical schools is eighteen, 
in some of which, the standard of education is very high, 
and the advantages for scientific instruction great. 

27. The number of law schools is nine, most of which 
are of recent origin. The lawyers hitherto have been 
educated chiefly in the offices of the other and more 
eminent counselors. Besides these more public and 
general means of instruction, there are many private 
schools of liigh reputation, especially for females. Se- 
veral mechanical and agricultural institutes have recently 
been established. Infant schools and Sunday schools 
also exist in great numbers, and are of great importance 
to the morals of the community. This general diffusion 
of knowledge is laying the foundation for a regular ad- 
vance in all the means of improvement in literature, 
science, and the arts. 

LITERATURE. 

28. The first printing press in the United States, was 
set up at Cambridge, by the exertions and joint contribu- 
tions of different individuals in Europe and America, in 
1638. The first work published was the Freeman's 
Call, and the first book printed was a version of the 
Psalms. During the first century, by far the greater part 
of the books printed were on theological subjects, and the 
remainder were chiefly publications made by order of 
the government. All were under the restraints of au- 
thority, which at last became so severe as seriously to 



262 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

impair the freedom of the press, and were more or less 
felt throughout the country, till after the middle of the 
eighteenth century. But, from this period, a great change 
took place. Political, historical and miscellaneous works, 
a few in the belles-lettres, and several on scientific sub- 
jects, began to appear ; and since the revolution, school- 
books, periodical publications, political discussions, histo- 
rical and miscellaneous works, — which, till 1700, were 
entirely unknown in the country, — gradually obtained 
the superiority, and, since 1800, have constituted the 
great mass of what has issued from the press. 

29. No newspaper appeared in the colonies until 1704, 
when the News-Letter was issued at Boston, and con- 
tinued till 1776. The first paper published in Philadel- 
phia, was issued in 1719, and the first in New- York, in 
1733. In 1775, there were 37 ; in 1801, there were 
203 : in 1810, 358 ; and, at present, probably not less 
than 1500. Their number and cheapness, and the ex- 
tent of their diffusion, are unparalleled. It may, in fact, 
be asserted, that almost every man in the country reads 
a newspaper ; for, as every man has a direct personal 
interest in public affairs, and as the policy of the country 
has been to facilitate their distribution by the mail, they 
penetrate every where, and constitute, probably, the 
greater part of the reading of at least the agricultural 
portion of the people.* Their tone is favorable to morals, 
and to the diffusion of useful knowledge, though, on the 
subjects which divide the political opinions of the country, 
they almost uniformly take party ground, and maintain 
it with extreme warmth and prejudice. Their influence 
is greater than any other element of society, except that 
of the schools and of the pulpit. 

30. The earliest magazine attempted in the colonies 



« The number of post-ofRci s, in 1831, was 8686. The postage on each news- 
paper is one tent, if not canieil be} ond the state in whicli it is jjulilished, or 
not more tlian 100 milt^s, if carried out of the slate ; and one and a haf cents 
tor any distance above 100 miles, and out of the stale. It has beeji proposed to 
abolish all postage on newspapers. 



A GENERAL VIEW. 263 

was the General Magazine, published at Philadelphia 
(1741) by Benjamin Franklin, then a printer in that city ; 
but it was sustained only six months. In 1743, a weekly 
magazine was started in Boston, but was continued only 
four weeks. In the course of the succeeding twenty 
years, twelve or fourteen others were attempted in the 
different cities, which, however, all failed ; and it is be- 
lieved that, in 1775, not one existed in the country, with 
the exception of the Pennsylvania Magazine, begun in 
that year, of which Thomas Paine was a principal con- 
tributor. All such works, in fact, made their way, for a 
long time afterward, slowly and with much difficulty. In 
1810, there were twenty-four, of which the Portfolio, 
edited by Mr. Dennie, in Philadelphia, and the Anthology, 
etlited at Boston, were the principal of general interest. 
The number is now greatly increased, amounting, pro- 
bably to about 109. 

ARTS AND SCIENCES. 

31. The progress of the Americans has been greater 
in the useful arts than in the sciences, though their ad- 
vances in the latter are respectable, considering the short- 
ness of their career. Inventions and discoveries in the 
former have been promoted by means of the patent of- 
fice, which secures, to persons who apply for it, the ex- 
clusive right to the fruits of their ingenuity. This office 
is attached to the department of state. Models and 
drawuigs of the machines of which the right is obtained, 
are deposited with the director, with a description of the 
invention, the name and residence of the patentee, and 
date of the patent. The whole number of patents issued 
from the establishment of the patent office, in 1790, to 
the first of January 1832, is 6911. 

32. The Americans have, indeed, shown a particular 
aptitude for making discoveries and improvements in 
the mechanic arts. A great number of remarkable 
inventions, o/ which the cotton-gin, the steam-boat, the 



264 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

nail and card machines, and the machine for spinning 
hemp, are only the most prominent among a hundred 
others, with essential improvements upon many processes 
of manufacture, and upon many machines previously in 
use, have been made in the United States. In ship- 
building, the Americans are decidedly superior to any 
other people, combining beauty of form, speed in sailing, 
and capacity of carriage, in their vessels. In regard to 
the fine arts, though there is no such thing as an Ameri- 
can school, yet the United States have produced several 
eminent painters ; and some works of sculpture of merit 
have been executed in the country. 

HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHY. 

83. It is a peculiarity in the history of the United States, 
that, from the beginning of the first European settlements 
of their territory, we have accounts of the events which 
have occurred in them, of the chief actors in those events, 
and, even farther back, that the written charters which 
described their objects, and defined their privileges, are 
yet in our hands. We know the family names, the con- 
dition in hfe, the local origin, even the features of the first 
settlers ; and, from the period of the first emigrations 
downward, we have contemporaneous narratives and 
documents, with few interruptions. 

34. It is true, that the first 150 years of colonial his- 
tory, or rather the public history of that period, presents 
little variety of incidents, and has none of the grandeur 
and brilliancy which gives a charm to the story of great 
empires. It is also true, that the Americans have pro- 
duced no historical works which can lay claim to high 
literary merit, or which attract notice merely from the 
excellence of their execution. But, though most of the 
works which have been published are local in their nature, 
many of them are of general interest to those who would 
trace the development of seminal principles into life, 
watch the cradle of a recent people, and witness the 



A GENERAL VIEW. 265 

growth of families and villages into populous communi- 
ties and powerful states. 



35. In all the states the support of religion is now left 
entirely to the voluntary choice and good will of the peo- 
ple. No person is compelled to join, or be classed with, 
or associated to any religious association, church, or con- 
gregation, or (without having previously given his con- 
sent) to pay for the support of ministers of religion, for 
the maintenance of public worship, or for the building or 
repairing of churches. A great part of the founders of 
the American colonies were distinguished for their reli- 
gious character ; and they designed that the settlements 
which they formed should be christian communities. 
Christianity was interwoven into their social, civil, and 
political institutions ; and in accordance with the views 
which have generally prevailed in Christendom, since the 
days of Constantine, a legal preference of some one de- 
nomination over all others, prevailed in most of the colo- 
nies. 

36. The first settlements in New-England were made 
chiefly by English Puritans, who established their own re- 
hgious system, which was Congregationalism, and dis- 
countenanced all others. In 1631, the General Court of 
Massachusetts Bay, passed an order, " that for the time 
to come, none should be admitted to the freedom of the 
body politic but such as were church-members." But 
though this intolerant principle was not long enforced, yet 
the religion of the majority of the people, which was Con- 
gregationalism, continued to be established, with exclu- 
sive privileges, in the greater part of New-England, till 
the revolution. 

37. After that event, the states of New-Hampsliire, 
Massachusetts, and Connecticut, on forming a new go- 
vernment, established the pubhc worship of God, making 
it incumbent on all to belong to or to be classed with some 

23 



266 HISTORY OF the united states. 

religious society, or to pay for the support of some reli- 
gious teacher, though they were permitted to support 
whatever denomination they chose. From this regula- 
tion the Congregationalists derived some advantages over 
the other sects, inasmuch as they were the original settlers, 
and, in most of the towns, the majority of the inhabitants ; 
and all who could not show that they belonged to some 
other denomination, were required, by law, to pay for the 
support of their ministers. 

38. This provision was done away in Connecticut in 
1818, in New-Hampshire in 1819, and in Massachusetts 
in 1833. And at present in all the states of the Union, 
all denominations are placed by the laws on a footing of 
entire equality ; and no one is compelled to pay for the 
support of religion against his consent. There was much 
opposition in the states above mentioned, to the measure 
of withholding a legal pecuniary support to public wor- 
ship ; but the injury which many anticipated from it, has 
been but little, if at all, felt. Rehgion has been as much 
cherished by the community since, as it was before ; there 
are as many ministers, and they are as well supported. 

39. In Virginia and South Carolina, in their colonial 
state, religious worship according to the Church of Eng- 
land was established by law ; but, since the revolution, 
no involuntary pecuniary support of religion has been au- 
thorized by law in these states, nor of any of the other 
states to the south of New-England. The legal estab- 
hshment of the religious system of any one denomina- 
tion of christians in the United States is utterly impossi- 
ble, masmuch as there is no one system which is embra- 
ced by one quarter part of the people. " The authority 
of a church establishment," says Dr. Paley, " is founded 
in its utiUty." But history, we believe, has abundantly 
proved, that a legal establishment of religion, or the sys- 
tem which connects it with the state or civil government, 
has a tendency both to corrupt the church and enslave 
the people ; and the friends of religion may, with good 



A GENERAL VIE'\V. 267 

reason, say to the rulers of the state, with respect to any- 
direct interference or compulsory pecuniary support, as the 
French merchants said to the statesman Colbert, " Let us 
alone." 

40. " To the scheme of voluntary contribution," says 
the author before quoted, " there exists this insurmounta- 
ble objection, that few would ultimately contribute any 
thing at all. However the zeal of a sect, or the novelty 
of a change, might support such an experiment for a 
while, no reliance could be placed upon it as a general 
and permanent provision." This decision was derived 
from speculation or theory, rather than from experience. 
The voluntary system of supporting religion was never 
before tried on so extensive a scale. Its operation must 
depend very much on the character and condition of a 
people. In a community in which the influence of reh- 
gion is little felt, httle can be expected to be done volun- 
tarily for its support ; but a well educated, enlightened, 
and religious community will be sure to sustain a well 
educated ministry ; and they will do it, we believe, more 
cheerfully and with better effect, on a voluntary than on 
a compulsory system. 

41. In some parts of the country, especially in the new 
settlements, and in districts in which the inhabitants are 
much scattered, and the state of society and of education 
is backward, there is a great want of religious instruc- 
tion. In these parts there are few regular or settled cler- 
gymen ; and the ministers who are found here, except 
occasional itinerant preachers, are, a great part of them at 
least, incompetent or ill qualified for their duties, and they 
receive but little compensation ; but the cities, and also 
those portions of the country in which the state of soci- 
ety is most advanced, are as well supplied v/ith ministers 
and the means of religious instruction, as perhaps any part 
of Christendom ; and the clergy of the several denomi- 
nations generally receive a competent support. 

42. In tliese portions of the country, religion probably 



268 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

exerts as much influence as in almost any part of the 
world, as is indicated by the voluntary support which is 
given to it, the number of communicants, the general ob- 
servance of Sunday, the habit of attending public wor- 
ship, and the liberality and zeal manifested in promoting 
objects of religious and benevolent enterprize, as bible 
societies, missionar}^ societies, Sunday-schools, and the 
like. The means for the support of the ministers of the 
several denominations, are obtained b}- subscription, con- 
tribution, rents of pews, from the income of funds, which 
are possessed by many churches and congregations, and 
taxes or assessments upon the members of religious soci- 
eties or congregations, apportioned according to property. 
The denominations whose ministers are supposed to be 
the best supported, are the Congregationalists, including 
the Unitarians, the several divisions of the Presbyterians, 
and the Episcopalians. The ministers of the Baptist de- 
nomination, as well as those of some others, have a very 
competent support in the cities and large towns. 

43. In the United States there are indeed no " rich and 
splendid situations in the church, justly regarded as prizes 
held out to invite persons of good hopes and ingenuous 
attainments to enter its service ;" no stations have attach- 
ed to them high rank and an annual princely income of 
15,000 or 20,000 pounds sterling, hke those possessed by 
some of the English prelates. So far, indeed, is this from 
being the case, that no one can reasonably expect to ac- 
quire wealth in this country by entering the clerical pro- 
fession. Still, when we consider the condition of the 
clergy in those parts of the country in which the state of 
society is most mature, as compared with that of the other 
classes of the community, and the salaries which they re- 
ceive, together with the imm.unities, privileges, and re- 
spectability attached to the profession, it may be reasona- 
bly doubted whether the secular inducements to enter it 
are not as great as it is desirable they should be, and whe- 
ther the interests of religion would be, on the whole, pro- 
moted by increasing such inducements. 



A GENERAL VIEW. 269 

44. Although no form of religion is established by law, 
by the United States or by any of the individual states, 
yet Christianity, instead of being abolished or set aside, is 
in various ways recognized and countenanced by the go- 
vernment, laws and institutions of the country. In peru- 
sing the twenty-four constitution of the United States, we 
find all of them recognizing Christianity, as the well-known 
and well-established religion of the communities, whose 
legal, civil and political foundations these constitutions 
are. The terms of this recognition are more or less dis- 
tinct in the constitutions of the different states ; but they 
exist in all of them. The reason why any degree of in- 
distinctness exists in any of them unquestionably is, that, 
at their formation, it never came into the minds of the fra- 
mers to suppose, that the existence of Christianity, as the 
rehgion of their communities, could ever admit of a ques- 
tion. Nearly all these constitutions recognize the cus- 
tomary observance of Sunday, and a suitable observance 
of this day includes a performance of all the peculiar du- 
ties of the christian faith. 

45. The constitution of Vermont declares, that ' every 
sect or denomination of christians, ought to observe the 
sabbath or Lord's day, and keep up some sort of religious 
worship, which to them shall seem most agreeable to the 
revealed will of God.' The constitution of Massachusetts 
and Maryland are among those which do not prescribe 
the observance of Sunday ; yet the former declares it to 
be ' the right, as well as the duty of all men in society, 
publicly and at stated seasons to worship the Supreme Be- 
ing, the great Creator and preserver of the universe ;' — 
and the latter requires every person appointed to any of- 
fice of profit or trust, ' to subscribe a declaration of his 
belief in the christian religion.' Two of them concur in 
the sentiment, that ' morality and piety, rightly grounded 
on evangelical principles, will be the best and greatest se- 
curity to government ; and that the knowledge of these is 
most likely to be propagated through a society, by the in- 

23* 



270 HISTOKY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

stitution of the publicworship of the Deity, and of public 
instruction in morahty and rchgion.' 

46. Only a small part of what the constitutions of the 
states contain in regard to the christian religion, is here 
cited. At the same time, they all grant the free exercise 
and enjoyment of rehgious profession and worship, with 
some slight discriminations, to all mankind. The princi- 
ple obtained by the feregoing inductive examination of 
our state constitutions, is this: — The people of the United 
States have retained the christian religion as the founda- 
tion of their civil, legal and political institutions ; while 
they have refused to continue a legal preference to any one 
of its forms over any other. In the same spirit of prac- 
tical wisdom, moreover, they have consented to tolerate 
all other religions. 

47. From the view we have taken, it appears, that the 
United States are now enjoying every means of national 
improvement. Science, literature and the arts are exten- 
sively cultivated : and the universal diffusion of know- 
ledge, secular, moral and religious, is laying a firm foun- 
dation for all that is valuable in civil society. Our happy 
country was settled by men of remarkable character, — 
men whose wisdom and virtue have secured to us all that 
we now enjoy. They were men who feared the God of 
nations ; and rehed on his providence for success in all 
their endeavors to lay for their children the foundations of 
a great and glorious nation. Nothing but virtue and the 
continued blessing of heaven can save us, as a people^ 
from the corruption and ruin which have been the unhap- 
py termination of former republics. Virtue in the people 
will secure good government ; and good government wil5 
secure national peace and prosperity. 



CO]¥STITUTIO]V 

OF THE 

U NITED STATES. 



ARTICLE I. 

Sect. 1. — All legislative powers herein granted, shall 
be vested in a congress of the United States, which shall 
consist of a senate and house of representatives. 

Sect. II. — 1, The house of representatives shall be 
composed of members chosen every second year, by the 
people of the several states : and the electors in each state 
shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of the 
most numerous branch of the state legislature. 

2. No person shall be a representative, who shall not 
have attained the age of twenty-five years, and been seven 
years a citizen of the United States, and who shall not, 
when elected, be an inliabitant of the state in wliich he 
shall be chosen. 

'S. Representatives and direct taxes shall be apportion- 
ed among the several states which may be included within 
this union, according to their respective numbers, which 
shall be determined by adding to the whole number of free 
persons, including those bound to service for a term of 
years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three-fifths of all 
other persons. The actual enumeration shall be made 
within three years after the first meeting of the congress 
of the United States, and within every subsequent term 
of ten years, in such manner as they shall by law direct. 
The number of representatives shall not exceed one for 
every thirty thousand, but each state shall have at least 
one representative : and until such enumeration shall be 
made, the state of Neiv-Hampsliire shall be entitled to 
choose three ; Massachusetts eight ; Rhode-Island and 
Providence Plantations one ; Connecticut five ; New- York 
SL\ ; New-Jersey four ; Pennsylvania eight ; Delaware 



272 CONSTITUTION OF THE 

one ; Maryland six ; Virginia ten ; North-Carolina five ; 
South-Carolina five ; and Georgia three. 

4. When vacancies happen in the representation from 
any state, the executive authority thereof shall issue writs 
of election to fill such vacancies. 

5. The house of representatives shall choose their spea- 
ker and other officers, and shall have the sole power of 
impeachment. 

Sect. III. — 1. The senate of the United States shall 
be composed of two senators from each state, chosen by 
the legislator thereof, for six years ; and each senator 
shall have one vote. 

2. Immediately after they shall be assembled in conse- 
quence of the first election, they shall be divided, as equal- 
ly as may be, into three classes. The seats of the sena- 
tors of the first class, shall be vacated at the expiration of 
the second year, of the second class at the expiration of 
the fourth year, and of the third class, at the expiration of 
the sixth year, so that one third may be chosen every se- 
cond year ; and if vacancies happen by resignation or 
otherwise, during the recess of the legislature of any 
state, the executive thereof may make temporary ap- 
pointments until the next meeting of the legislature, which 
shall then fill such vacancies. 

3. No person shall be a senator, who shall not have at- 
tained to the age of 30 years, and been nine years a citizen 
of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be 
an inhabitant of that state for which he shall be chosen. 

4. The vice-president of the United States shall be 
president of the senate, but shall have no vote, unless they 
be equally divided. 

5. The senate shall choose their other officers and also 
a president pro tempore, in the absence of the vice-presi- 
dent, or when he shall exercise the office of president of 
the United States. 

6. The senate shall have the sole power to try all im- 
peachments. When sitting for that purpose, they shall bo 



UNITED STATES. 273 

on oath or affirmation. When the president of the United 
States is tried, the chief justice shall preside ; and no per- 
son shall be convicted without the concurrence of two- 
thirds of the members present. 

7. Judgment, in cases of impeachment, shall not extend 
farther than to removal from office, and disqualification 
to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust, or profit, un- 
der the United States ; but the party convicted, shall, nev- 
ertheless, be liable and subject to indictment, trial, judg- 
ment, and punishment, according to law. 

Sect. IV. — 1. The times, places, and manner of hold- 
ing elections for senators and representatives, shall be 
prescribed in each state, by the legislature thereof ; but 
the congress may, at any time, by law, make or alter 
such regulations, except as to the places of choosing sen- 
ators. 

2. The congress shall assemble at least once in every 
year ; and such meeting shall be on the first Monday in 
December, unless they shall by law appoint a different day. 

Sect. V. — 1. Each house shall be judge of the elec- 
tions, returns, and qualifications, of its own members ; and 
a majority of each shall constitute a quorum to do busi- 
ness, but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day 
and may be authorized to compel the attendance of absent 
members, in such manner, and under such penalties, as 
each house may provide. 

2. Each house may determine the rules of its proceed- 
ings, punish its members for disorderly behavior, and 
with the concurrence of two-thirds, expel a member. 

3. Each house shall keep a journal of its proceedings, 
and from time to time publish the same, excepting such 
parts as may, in their judgment, require secrecy ; and the 
yeas and nays of the members of either house on any 
question, shall, at the desire of one-fifth of those present, 
be entered on the journal. 

4. Neither house, during the session of congress, shall, 
without the consent of the other, adjourn for more than 



274 CONSTITUTION OF THE 

three days, nor to any other place than that in wliich the 
two houses shall be sitting. 

Sect. VI. — 1. The senators and representatives shall 
receive a compensation for their services, to be ascertain- 
ed by law, and paid out of the treasury of the United States. 
They shall, in all cases, except treason, felony and breach 
of the peace, be privileged from arrest, during their at- 
tendance at the session of their respective houses, and in 
going to or returning from the same ; and for any speech 
or debate in either house, they shall not be questioned in 
any other place. 

No senator or representative shall, during the time for 
which he was elected, be appointed to any civil office un- 
der the authority of the United States, which shall have 
been created, or the emoluments whereof shall have been 
increased, during such time ; and no person holding any 
office under the United States, shall be a member of ei- 
ther house, during his continuance in office. 

Sect. VII. — 1. All bills for raising revenue shall ori- 
ginate in the house of representatives ; but the senate 
may propose or concur with amendments, as on other 
bnis. 

2. Every bill, which shall have passed the house of re- 
presentatives and the senate, shall, before it become a 
law, be presented to the president of the United States ; if 
he approves he shall sign it ; but if not, he shall return it 
with his objections, to that house in which it shall have 
originated, who shall enter the objections at large on their 
journal, and proceed to reconsider it. If, after such re- 
consideration, two-thirds of that house shall agree to pass 
the bill, it shall be sent, together with the objections, to 
the other house, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, 
and if approved by two-thirds of that house, it shall be- 
come a law. But in all such cases, the votes of both houses 
shall be determined by yeas and nays ; and the names of 
the persons voting for and against the bill, shall be enter- 
ed on the journal of each house respectively. If any 



UNITED STATES. 275 

bill shall not be returned, by the president, within ten 
days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been prsent- 
ed to him, the same shall be a law in like manner as if 
he had signed it, unless the congress, by their adjourn- 
ment, prevent its return ; in which case it shall not be a 
law. 

3. Every order, resolution, or vote, to which the con- 
currence of the senate and house of representatives may 
be necessary (except on a question of adjournment) shall 
be presented to the president of the United States ; and 
before the same shall take effect, shall be approved by 
him, or being disapproved by him, shall be repassed by 
two-thirds of the senate and house of representatives, ac- 
cording to the rules and limitations prescribed in the case 
of a bill. 

Sect. YIII. — The congress shall have power — 

1. To lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and exci- 
ses ; to pay the debts, and provide for the common de- 
fense and general welfare of the United States ; but all 
duties, imposts, and excises shall be uniform throughout 
the United States : 

2. To borrow money on the credit of the U. States : 

3. To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and 
among the several states, and with the Indian tribes : 

4. To establish an uniform rule of naturalization, and 
uniform laws on the subject of bankruptcies, throughout 
the United States : 

5. To coin money, regulate the value thereof, and of 
foreign coin, and fix the standard of weights and meas- 
ures : 

6. To provide for the punishment of counterfeiting the 
securities and current coin of the United States : 

7. To establish post-offices and post-roads : 

8. To promote the progress of science and useful arts- 
by securing, for limited times, to authors and inventors, 
the exclusive right to their respective writings and disco- 
veries : 



276 CONSTITUTION OF THE 

9. To constitute tribunals inferior to the supreme 
court : To define and punish piracies and felonies com- 
mitted on the high seas, and offences against the law of na- 
tions : 

10. To declare war, grant letters of marque and repri- 
sal, and make rules concerning captures on land and wa- 
ter : 

11. To raise and support armies ; but no appropriation 
of money to that use, shall be for a longer term than two 
years : 

12. To provide and maintain a navy : 

13. To make rules for the government and regulation 
of the land and naval forces : 

14. To provide for calling forth the mihtia to execute 
the laws of the Union, suppress insurrections, and repel 
invasions : 

15. To provide for organizing, arming and disciplining 
the mihtia, and for governing such part of them as may be 
employed in the service of the United States, reserving to 
the states respectively, the appointment of the officers, 
and the authority of training the mihtia, according to the 
discipline prescribed by congress : 

16. To exercise exclusive legislation, in all cases what- 
soever, over such district (not exceeding ten miles square) 
as may, by cession of particular states, and the accept- 
ance of congress, become the seat of government of the 
United States, and to exercise like authority over all pla- 
ces purchased by the consent of the legislature of the 
state in which the same shah be, for the erection of forts, 
magazines, arsenals, dock-yards, and other needful build- 
ings : — And 

17. To make all laws which shall be necessary and 
proper, for cariying into execution the foregoing powers, 
and all other powers vested by this constitution, in the go- 
vernment of the United States, or in any department or 
officer thereof. 

Sect. IX — 1. The migration or importation of such 



UNITED STATES. 277 

persons as any of the states, now existing, shall think pro- 
per to admit, shall not be proliibited by the congress prior 
to the year one thousand eight hundred and eight ; but a 
tax or duty may be imposed on such importation not ex- 
ceeding ten dollars for each person. 

2. The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not 
be suspended, unless when, in cases of rebellion or inva- 
sion, the public safety may require it. 

3. No bill of attainder, or ex-post facto law, shall be 



4. No capitation, or other direct tax shall be laid, un- 
less in proportion to-the census or enumeration herein be- 
fore directed to be taken. 

5. No tax or duty shall be laid on articles exported 
from any state. No preference shall be given, by any 
regulation of commerce or revenue to the ports of one 
state over those of another ; nor shall vessels bound to or 
from one state, be obliged to enter, clear or pay duties in 
another. 

6. No money shall be drawn from the treasury, but in 

[ consequence of appropriations made by law ; and a regu- 

ilar statement and account of the receipts and expendi- 

itures of all public money, shall be published from time to 

time. 

7. No title of nobility shall be granted by the United 
( States ; and no persons holding any office of profit or 
' trust under them, shall, without the consent of the con- 
gress, accept of any present, emolument, office or title, of 
any kind whatever, from any king, prince, or foreign 

.tate. 

Sect. X. — 1. No state shall enter into any treaty, alli- 
ance, or confederation ; grant letters of marque and re- 
prisal ; coin money ; emit bills of credit ; make any thing 
but gold and silver coin a tender in payment of debts ; 
pass any bill of attainder, ex-post facto law, or law im- 
pairing the obligation of contracts ; or grant any title of 
nobility. 

24 



278 CONSTITUTION OF THE 

2. No state shall, without the consent of congress, lay any 
imposts or duties on imports or exports, except what may 
be absolutely necessary for executing its inspection laws ; 
and the net produce of all duties and imports laid by any 
state on imports or exports, shall be for the use of the 
treasury of the United States ; and all such laws shall be 
subject to the revision and control of the congress. No 
state shall, without the consent of congress, lay any duty 
of tonnage, keep troops or ships of war in time of peace, 
enter into any agreement or compact with another state, 
or with a foreign power, or engage in war, unless actually 
invaded, or in such imminent danger as will not admit of 
delay. 

ARTICLE 11. 

Sect. I. — 1. The executive power shall be vested ire 
a president of the United States of America. He shall 
hold his office during the term of four years, and, together 
with the vice-president, chosen for the same term, be 
elected as follows : 

2. Each state shall appoint, in such a manner as the 
legislature thereof may direct, a number of electors, equal 
to the whole number of senators and representatives to 
which the state may be entitled in congress; but no 
senator or representative, or person holding an office of 
trust or profit under the United States, shall be appointed 
an elector. 

3. [Annulled. See Amendments, Art. 12.] 

4. The congress may determine the time of choosing" 
the electors, and the day on wliich they shall give their 
votes ; wliich day shall be the same throughout the Uni- 
ted States. 

5. No person, except a natural born citizen, or a citi- 
zen of the United States, at the time of the adoption of 
this constitution, shall be ehgible to the office of president ; 
neither shall any person be ehgible to that office, who 
shall not have attained to the age of thirty-five years, 



UNITED STATES. 279 

and been fourteen years a resident within the United 
States. 

6. In case of the removal of the president from office, 
or of his death, resignation or inabiUty to discharge the 
powers and duties of the said office, the same shall de- 
volve on the vice-president ; and the congress may by 
law provide for the case of removal, death, resignation, 
or inabihty, both of the president and vice-president, de- 
claring what officer shall then act as president, and such 
officer shall act accordingly, until the disability be removed, 
or a president shall be elected. 

7. The president shall, at stated times, receive for his 
services, a compensation, which shall neither be increased 
nor diminished during the period for which he shall have 
been elected ; and he shall not receive, within that period, 
any other emolument from the United States, or any of 
them. 

8. Before he enter on the execution of his office, he 
shall take the following oath or affirmation. 

9. " I do solemnly swear [or affirm] that I will faith- 
fully execute the office of president of the United States, 
and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and 
defend the constitution of the United States." 

Sect. II. — 1. The president shall be commander-in- 
chief of the army and navy of the United States, and of 
the militia of the several states, when called into the actual 
service of the United States ; he may require the opinion 
in writing, of the principal officer in each of the execu- 
tive departments, upon any subject relating to the duties 
of their respective offices ; and he shall have power to 
grant reprieves and pardons for offences against the Uni- 
ted States, except in cases of impeachment. 

2. He shall have power, by and with the advice and 
consent of the senate, to make treaties, provided two- 
thirds of the senators present, concur ; and he shall 
nominate, and by and with the advice and consent of the 
senate, shall appoint ambassadors, other public ministers, 



280 CONSTITUTION OF THE 

and consuls, judges of the supreme court, and all other 
officers of the United States, whose appointments are not 
herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be esta- 
blished by law. But the congress may, by law, vest the 
appointment of such inferior officers as they think proper, 
in the president alone, in the courts of law, or in the 
heads of departments. 

3. The president shall have power to fill up all vacan- 
cies that may happen during the recess of the senate, b}^ 
granting commissions which shall expire at the end of 
their next session. 

Sect. III. — 1. He shall, from time to time, give to the 
congress, information of the state of the union, and re- 
commend to their consideration, such measures as he 
shall judge necessary and expedient ; he may, on extra- 
ordinary occasions, convene both houses, or either of 
them, and in case of disagreement between them, with 
respect to the time of adjournment, he may adjourn them 
to such time as he shall think proper ; he shall receive 
ambassadors, and other public ministers ; he shall take 
care that the laws be faithfully executed ; and shall com- 
mission all the officers of the United States. 

Sect. IV. — 1. The president, vice-president, and all 
c ivil officers of the United States, shall be removed from 
office on impeachment for, and conviction of, treason, 
b ribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors. 

ARTICLE III. 

Sect. I. — 1. The judicial power of the United States 
shall be vested in one supreme court, and in such inferior 
courts as the congress may from time to time ordain and 
establish. The judges, both of the supreme and inferior 
courts, shall hold their offices during good behavior, and 
shall, at stated times, receive for their services, a com- 
pensation, which shall not be diminished during their con- 
tinuance in office. 

Sect. II. — 1. The judicial power shall extend to all 



UNITED STATES. 281 

cases in law and equity, arising under this constitution, 
the laws of the United States, and treaties made, or which 
shall be made, under their authority ; to all cases affect- 
ing ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls ; to 
all cases of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction ; to con- 
troversies to which the United States shall be a party ; to 
controversies between two or more states, between a state 
and citizens of another state, between citizens of differ- 
ent states, between citizens of the same state claiming 
lands under grants of different states, and between a state 
or the citizens thereof, and foreign states, citizens, or sub- 
jects. 

2. In all cases affecting ambassadors, other pubHc 
ministers and consuls, and those in which a state shall be 
a party, the supreme court shall have original jurisdiction. 
In all the other cases before mentioned, the supreme court 
shall have appellate jurisdiction, both as to law and fact, 
with such exceptions and under such regulations as the 
congress shall make. 

3. The trial of all crimes, except in cases of impeach- 
ment, shall be by jury ; and such trial shall be held in the 
state where the said crimes shall have been committed ; 
but when not committed within any state, the trial shall 
be at such place or places as the congress may by law 
have directed. 

Sect. III. — 1. Treason against the United States shall 
consist only in levying war against them, or in adhering 
to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort. No per- 
son shall be convicted of treason, unless on the testimony 
of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on confession 
in open court. 

2. The congress shall have power to declare the pun- 
ishment of treason ; but no attainder of treason shall 
work corruption of blood, or forfeiture, except during the 
life of the person attainted. 

24* 



282 CONSTITUTION OF THE 

ARTICLE IV. 

Sect. I. — 1. Full faith and credit shall be given, in 
each state, to the public acts, records and judicial pro- 
ceedings of every other state. And the congress may, 
by general laws, prescribe the manner in which such acts, 
records and proceedings, shall be proved, and the effect 
thereof. 

Sect. II. — 1. The citizens of each state shall be en- 
titled to all privileges and immunities of citizens m the 
several states. 

2. A person charged in any state with treason, felony, 
or other crime, who shall flee from justice, and be found 
in another state, shall, on demand of the Executive autho- 
rity of the state from which he fled, be delivered up, to 
be removed to the state having jurisdiction of the crime. 

3. No person held to service or labor in one state, 
under the laws thereof, escaping into another, shall in 
consequence of any law or regulation therein, be dis- 
charged from such service or labor ; but shall be deli- 
vered up, on claim of the party to whom such service or 
labor may be due. 

Sect. III. — 1. New states may be admitted by the 
congress into this union ; but no new state shall be formed 
or erected within the jurisdiction of any other state, nor 
any state be formed by the junction of two or more states, 
or parts of states, without tlie consent of the legislatures 
of the states concerned, as well as of the congress. 

2. The congress shall have power to dispose of and 
make all needful rules and regulations respecting the ter- 
ritory or other property belonging to the United States ; 
and nothing in tliis constitution shall be so construed as 
to prejudice any claims of the United States, or of any 
particular state. 

Sect. IV. — The United States shall guarantee to every 
state in this union a republican form of government, and 
shall protect each of them against invasion ; and, on ap- 
plication of the legislature, or of the executive, (when 



UNITED STATES. 283 

the legislature cannot be convened,) against domestic 
violence. 

ARTICLE V. 
1. The congress, whenever two-thirds of both houses 
shall deem it necessary, shall propose amendments to 
this constitution : or, on the application, of the legislatures 
of two-thirds of the several states, shall call a convention 
for proposing amendments, which, in either case, shall be 
valid, to all intents and purposes, as part of this consti- 
tution, when ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths 
of the several states, or by the conventions in three- 
fourths thereof, as the one or the other mode of ratifica- 
tion may be proposed by congress ; provided, that no 
amendment, which may be made prior to the year one 
thousand eight hundred and eight, shall, in any manner, 
affect the first and fourth clauses in the ninth section of 
the first article ; and that no state, without its consent, 
shall be deprived of its equal suffrage in the senate. 

ARTICLE VI. 

1. All debts contracted and engagements entered into, 
before the adoption of this constitution shall be as valid 
against the United States under this constitution, as under 
the confederation. 

2. This constitution, and the laws of the United States 
which shall be made in pursuance thereof, and all treaties 
made, or which shall be made, under the authority of the 
United States, shall be the sepreme law of the land ; and 
the judges in every state shall be bound thereby ; any 
thing in the constitution or laws of any state, to the con- 
trary notwithstanding. 

3 . The senators and representatives before mentioned, 
and the members of the several state legislatures, and all 
executive and judicial officers, both of the United States 
and of the several states, shall be bound by oath or affir- 
mation, to support this constitution : but no religious test 



284 CONSTITUTION OF THE 

shall ever be required as a qualification to any office, or 
public trust, under the United States. 

ARTICLE VII. 
] . The ratification of the conventions of nine states 
shaU be sufficient for the establishment of this constitu- 
tion between the states so ratifying the same. 

GEO. WASHINGTON, Pres'L 
William Jackson, Secretary, 



AM[EWI>]TIEIVTS TO THE CONSTITUTION. 



ARTICLE I. 

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment 
of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or 
abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press ; or the 
right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition 
the government for a redress of grievances. 

ARTICLE II. 
A well regulated militia being necessary to the security 
of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear 
arms shall not be infringed. 

ARTICLE III. 

No soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered in any 
house, without the consent of the owner ; nor in time of 
war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law. 

ARTICLE IV. 
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, 
houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches 
and seizures, shall not be violated ; and no warrants shall 
issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affir- 
mation, and particularly describing the place to be 
searched, and the persons or things to be seized. 



UNITED STATES. 285 

ARTICLE V. 

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or 
otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or 
indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the 
land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual ser- 
vice, in time of war or public danger ; nor shall any per- 
son be subject, for the same offence, to be twice put in 
jeopardy of life or limb ; nor shall be compelled in 
any criminal case, to be a witness against himself, nor be 
deprived of hfe, liberty, or property, without due process 
of law ; nor shall private property be taken for public 
use, without just compensation. 

. ARTICLE VI. 

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the 
right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of 
the state and district wherein the crime shall have been 
committed, which district shall have been previously as- 
certained by law, and to be informed of the nature and 
cause of the accusation ; to be confronted with the wit- 
nesses against him ; to have compulsory process for ob- 
taining witnesses in his favor ; and to have the assistance 
of counsel for his defence. 

ARTICLE VII. 

In suits at common law, where the value in controversy 
shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall 
be preserved ; and no fact tried by a jury shall be other- 
wise re-examined in any court of the United States, than 
according to the rules of the common law. 

ARTICLE VIII. 

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines 
imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. 

ARTICLE IX. 

The enumeration in the constitution of certain rights, 



286 CONSTITUTION OF THE 

shall not be construed to deny or disparage others re- 
tained by the people. 

ARTICLE X. 
The powers not delegated to the United States by the 
constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved 
to the states respectively, or to the people. 

ARTICLE XI. 
The judicial power of the United States sliall not be 
construed to extend to any suit in law or equity, com- 
menced or prosecuted against one of the United States, 
by citizens of another state, or by citizens or subjects of 
any foreicrn state. 

ARTICLE XII. 
1. The electors shall meet in their respective states, 
and vote by ballot lor president and vice-president, one of 
whom, at least shall not be an inhabitant of the same 
state with themselves ; they shall name in their ballots 
the person voted for as president, and in distinct ballots 
the person voted for as vice-president : and they shall 
make distinct Usts of all persons voted for as president, 
and of all persons voted for as vice-president, and of the 
number of votes for each, which list they shall sign and 
certify, and transmit sealed to the seat of government of 
the United States, directed to the president of the senate ; 
the president of the senate shall, in the presence of the 
senate and house of representatives, open all the certi- 
ficates, and the votes shall then be counted : the person 
having the greatest number of votes for president, shall 
be the president, if such number be a majority of the 
whole number of electors appointed ; and if no person 
have such majority, then from the person having the 
liighest numbers, not exceeding three, on the list of those 
voted for as president, the house of representatives shall 
choose immediately, by ballot, -^he president. But in 



UNITED STATES. 287 

choosing the president, the votes shall be taken by states, 
the representation from each state having one vote : a 
quorum for this purpose shall consist of a member or 
members from two tliirds of the states, and a majority of 
all the states, shall be necessary to a choice. And if the 
house of representatives shall not choose a president, 
whenever the right of choice, shall devolve upon them, 
before the fourth day of March next following, then the 
vice-president shall act as president, as in the case of the 
death, or other constitutional disability, of the president. 

2. The person having the greatest number of votes as 
vice-president, shall be the vice-president, if such number 
be a majority of the whole number of electors appointed; 
and if no person have a majority, then from the two high- 
est numbers on the list, the senate shall choose the vice- 
president : a quorum for the purpose shall consist of two- 
thirds of the whole number of senators, and a majority of 
the whole number shall be necessary to a choice. 

3. But no pei-son constitutionally ineligible to the office 
of president, shall be eligible to that of vice-president of 
the United States. 

ARTICLE XIII. 
If any citizen of the United States shall accept, claim, 
receive, or retain any title of nobility or honor, or shall 
without the consent of congress, accept and retain any 
present, pension, office, or emolument of any kind what- 
ever, from any emperor, king, prince, or foreign power, 
such person shall cease to be a citizen of the United States, 
and shall be incapable of holding any office of trust or 
profit under them, or either of them. 



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